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Arbecin is used to prevent uterine atony (failure of the womb to contract) and postpartum haemorrhage (excessive bleeding) after the baby has been delivered by planned caesarean section performed under epidural or spinal anaesthesia.
Pharmacology
Carbetocin is a medicine used to control postpartum hemorrhage, the bleeding that can occur after childbirth. It is an analogue of oxytocin, and it works in much the same way: by causing the uterus to contract. Carbetocin attaches to oxytocin receptors found on the smooth muscle of the uterus, which brings about rhythmic uterine contractions, makes existing contractions more frequent, and increases uterine tone. The uterus contains very few oxytocin receptors when a woman is not pregnant; this number rises through pregnancy and peaks at the time of delivery.
Dosage Reference
Reference Information Only
Dosages shown are general references from official sources. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for personalized dosing.
Adults:
A single 100 mcg dose of carbetocin is given intravenously as a slow bolus injection over 1 minute. It is given only after the baby has been delivered by caesarean section under epidural or spinal anaesthesia. Carbetocin is for single-dose use only.
Side Effects
Between 10% and 40% of patients experienced nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, itchy skin, raised body temperature, trembling and weakness. Less common side effects, affecting 1% to 5% of patients, included back pain, dizziness, a metallic taste, anaemia, sweating, chest pain, shortness of breath (dyspnoea), chills, a rapid heartbeat (tachycardia) and anxiety.
Cautions & Contraindications
Warnings & Precautions
If a patient does not achieve an adequate uterine contraction after a single injection of Arbecin, more aggressive treatment with additional doses of oxytocin or ergometrine is warranted. Because Arbecin is closely related in structure to oxytocin, hyponatraemia may occur. Arbecin should be used with caution in patients with epilepsy, migraine, asthma or any condition in which a rapid increase in extracellular water could pose a hazard to an already overburdened system. Patients with eclampsia or pre-eclampsia should be monitored for changes in blood pressure. Arbecin is not recommended for use in elderly patients.
Contraindications
Carbetocin acts for much longer than oxytocin, so once it has been given, the uterine contractions it produces cannot be stopped simply by withdrawing the drug. For this reason, carbetocin must never be given before the baby has been delivered, for any reason, including elective or medical induction of labour. If carbetocin were used inappropriately during pregnancy, it could in theory produce the same effects as an oxytocin overdose: overstimulation of the uterus with strong (hypertonic) or prolonged (tetanic) contractions, tumultuous labour, uterine rupture, tears of the cervix and vagina, postpartum haemorrhage, reduced blood flow through the placenta with variable slowing of the fetal heart rate, fetal hypoxia, hypercapnia, or death. Carbetocin should not be used in anyone with a history of hypersensitivity to oxytocin or carbetocin. It should also not be used in patients with cardiovascular disease, particularly coronary artery disease, valvular heart disease, cardiomyopathy, or heart failure. Carbetocin is not intended for use in children.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Contraindicated in pregnancy: carbetocin injection should not be used during pregnancy. Small amounts of the drug do pass into breast milk in nursing mothers, but the tiny quantity an infant would take in through breastfeeding is not expected to pose any meaningful safety risk.
⚠️ Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Overdose
If too much Carbetocin is given, its usual effects on the uterus become stronger. The uterus may become overactive, and this can cause pain. Treatment is symptomatic and supportive.
⚠️ In an emergency call 999 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
Storage
Keep Carbetocin at 2 to 8°C and don't let it freeze. Protect it from light as well. Once an ampoule has been opened, use the contents straight away.
Common questions about Carbate 100 mcg/ml
What is Carbate 100 mcg/ml IV Injection?
Carbate 100 mcg/ml IV Injection is a medicine that contains Carbetocin. It is made by Incepta Pharmaceuticals Ltd. It belongs to the Drugs acting on the Uterus group of medicines.
What is Carbate used for?
Arbecin is used to prevent uterine atony (failure of the womb to contract) and postpartum haemorrhage (excessive bleeding) after the baby has been delivered by planned caesarean section performed under epidural or spinal anaesthesia.
What are the side effects of Carbate?
Between 10% and 40% of patients experienced nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, itchy skin, raised body temperature, trembling and weakness. Less common side effects, affecting 1% to 5% of patients, included back pain, dizziness, a metallic taste, anaemia, sweating, chest pain, shortness of breath (dyspnoea), chills, a rapid heartbeat (tachycardia) and anxiety.
Can I take Carbate during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
Contraindicated in pregnancy: carbetocin injection should not be used during pregnancy. Small amounts of the drug do pass into breast milk in nursing mothers, but the tiny quantity an infant would take in through breastfeeding is not expected to pose any meaningful safety risk. Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
What happens if I take too much Carbate?
If too much Carbetocin is given, its usual effects on the uterus become stronger. The uterus may become overactive, and this can cause pain. In an emergency call 999 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
How should I store Carbate?
Keep Carbetocin at 2 to 8°C and don't let it freeze. Protect it from light as well.
Do I need a prescription for Carbate?
Carbate is a prescription (Rx) medicine. Take it as your doctor advises.