Carbetocin

Description

Carbetocin is an alternative synthetic oxytocin-receptor agonist available in Canada, the United Kingdom, and other countries，but not the United States. A large multinational randomized noninferiority trial (N=29,645) found that carbetocin was noninferior to oxytocin for prevention of postpartum hemorrhage and need for additional uterotonic agents after vaginal delivery. Carbetocin has a longer duration of action than oxytocin, eliminating the need for prolonged infusion.

Uses

Carbetocin is an obstetric drug used to control postpartum hemorrhaging.
A new synthetic analog of oxytocin, carbetocin, is long acting and also has a rapid onset of action. It is an oxytocin receptor agonist and also stimulates milk let down due to its action on oxytocin receptors of myoepithelial cells.

Definition

ChEBI: Oxytocin in which the hydrogen on the phenolic hydroxy group is substituted by methyl, the amino group on the cysteine residue is substituted by hydrogen, and the sulfur of the cysteine residue is replaced by a methylene group. A synthetic carba-analogue o oxytocin, it is used to control bleeding after giving birth. Like oxytocin, it causes contraction of the uterus.

Biochem/physiol Actions

Carbetocin is a potent agonist of the oxytocin receptor, with improved in vivo stability over oxytocin.

storage

Store at -20°C