Carbetocin
Overview
A long-acting synthetic analog of oxytocin with a modified disulfide bridge that confers resistance to enzymatic degradation. Carbetocin has a half-life of approximately 40 minutes compared to 3-5 minutes for oxytocin, providing sustained uterotonic activity after a single injection. It selectively binds oxytocin receptors in the myometrium, promoting uterine contraction and reducing postpartum blood loss.
Key Research Findings
WHO recommends heat-stable carbetocin for prevention of postpartum hemorrhage in settings where oxytocin cold chain cannot be maintained. CHAMPION trial (Widmer et al., NEJM, 2018) demonstrated non-inferiority to oxytocin for preventing blood loss at caesarean delivery. Approved in over 30 countries; not yet FDA-approved in the United States.
Intravenous, Intramuscular injection
In Clinical Trials
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