peptideInjectablePrescription only (US)FDA-approved (as Pabal) for prevention of postpartum hemorrhage after vaginal or cesarean delivery in a hospital or birthing-center settingAlso approved in the EU, UK, Canada, and other jurisdictions for the same indicationAdministered only by a clinician; not self-administered
CarbetocinBenefits, Dosage & Interactions
Carbetocin is a synthetic analog of the natural pituitary hormone oxytocin. It is primarily used to prevent uterine atony and excessive bleeding (postpartum hemorrhage) following childbirth, particularly after a Cesarean section. Research on Carbetocin focuses on healthy aging. Carbetocin is administered by injection rather than orally.
Researched by DoseRoutine R&D TeamReviewed for accuracy by Nicholas Alexander, RSELast updated
Evidence: Strong — 65 human randomized trials and regulatory approval on file.
Evidence strengthStrong · 4/4
PreclinicalStrong human evidence
65 human randomized trials and regulatory approval on file.
Plasma half-life
Roughly 40 minutes, longer than native oxytocin, per the cited reviews
Default unit
mcg
What published protocols report
Ranges documented in the literature, shown for reference. DoseRoutine does not recommend an amount — your prescriber or the product label sets the dose.
- Reported amounts
- 100 micrograms given as a single intravenous or intramuscular dose in the cited trials and reviews[1][2][3]
Reported for Carbetocin in the cited sources. Published ranges are not dosing advice.
References & evidence
Documents the Carbetocin entry is written from. Each number matches an inline marker above.
- [1]Uterotonic agents for preventing postpartum haemorrhage: a network meta-analysisGallos ID, Yunas I, Devall AJ, et al. · The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews · 2025 · Peer-reviewed · PMID 40237648
- [2]Third stage of labor: evidence-based practice for prevention of adverse maternal and neonatal outcomesHersh AR, Carroli G, Hofmeyr GJ, et al. · American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology · 2024 · Peer-reviewed · PMID 38462248
- [3]Uterine atonyMiller HE, Ansari JR · Current Opinion in Obstetrics & Gynecology · 2022 · Peer-reviewed · PMID 35102109
How to track Carbetocin doses
Carbetocin is tracked as a protocol rather than a single reminder: a vial with a concentration, a schedule that may be titrated or cycled, and a rotation of injection sites. Here is the record that keeps all three consistent.
- 1
Record the vial and concentration
Log the vial strength and the volume of bacteriostatic water you added so Carbetocin is stored as a concentration rather than a guess. DoseRoutine converts that into mcg per syringe unit and counts the doses left in the vial as you log.
- 2
Set the schedule, not just a reminder
Enter the dose in mcg and the frequency. Cycled protocols get a start and end date so the history stays accurate when Carbetocin comes out of the routine.
- 3
Rotate and log the injection site
Pick the site at the moment you log the dose. The site map shows what you used last and how recently, which is the part that drifts fastest when two compounds run on different frequencies.
- 4
Log adherence, not intentions
Mark each dose taken, skipped or delayed as it happens. Weeks of honest logs are what make an adherence rate or a trend line meaningful; retrospective guessing is not.
- 5
Review against outcomes
Review Carbetocin alongside your logged metrics and any relevant blood work every few weeks before changing the dose, so the change is a response to data rather than to a good or bad day.
What to log each time
- Dose in mcg and the syringe units it worked out to
- Vial: reconstitution date, concentration, doses remaining
- Injection site and time
- Any side effects in the 24 h after the dose
References & Evidence
Sources on this page that document Carbetocin dosing, timing and safety.
- [1]National Center for Biotechnology Information View source
Educational information only — not medical advice. Dose ranges vary by person, indication and prescriber.
What is Carbetocin studied for?
What is Carbetocin?Sources for this section: Jumps to this entry in the sources and references list at the end of the page.
Carbetocin is a synthetic analog of the natural pituitary hormone oxytocin. It is primarily used to prevent uterine atony and excessive bleeding (postpartum hemorrhage) following childbirth, particularly after a Cesarean section. Carbetocin acts similarly to oxytocin but has a longer duration of action, which can be advantageous in maintaining sustained uterine contractions. It is administered via injection, typically intravenously or intramuscularly, shortly after delivery. The drug gained popularity due to its extended half-life compared to oxytocin, allowing for a single-dose administration in many cases. Its efficacy and safety profile have been extensively studied, leading to its adoption in many countries for the management of the third stage of labor. (EMA SmPC, FDA label)
What does the research say about Carbetocin?
Tap a section to expand.
Carbetocin selectively binds to oxytocin receptors on the smooth muscle cells of the uterus. Upon binding, it stimulates rhythmic contractions of the uterine musculature, increasing the frequency and force of existing contractions, and elevating the tone of the uterine musculature. This action helps to compress blood vessels within the myometrium, thereby reducing blood loss after delivery. The high density of oxytocin receptors in the uterus during late pregnancy and immediately postpartum ensures a potent and specific action. Carbetocin's longer duration of action compared to oxytocin is attributed to its modified amino acid structure, which makes it more resistant to enzymatic degradation by oxytocinase. This extended half-life allows it to maintain sustained uterine contractions, which is crucial in preventing postpartum hemorrhage. (EMA SmPC, DrugBank)
Source for this section: Sources for How does Carbetocin work?: Jumps to this entry in the sources and references list at the end of the page.
The primary benefit of Carbetocin is the prevention of uterine atony and postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) after childbirth. PPH is a leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Studies have shown Carbetocin to be as effective as or superior to oxytocin in preventing PPH, particularly after Cesarean section. Its advantage lies in its longer duration of action, often requiring only a single dose, which simplifies administration and potentially reduces the workload for healthcare providers. This sustained effect can lead to more consistent uterine tone and a reduced need for additional uterotonic agents or uterine massage compared to shorter-acting alternatives. (Cochrane, NIH ODS)
Clinical trials and systematic reviews, including those published by Cochrane, have compared Carbetocin to oxytocin for the prevention of postpartum hemorrhage. These studies generally conclude that Carbetocin is at least as effective as oxytocin, and in some contexts, may offer advantages due to its longer duration of action. For instance, a Cochrane review found that Carbetocin appeared to reduce blood loss compared with oxytocin in women undergoing Cesarean delivery. Evidence suggests that while both drugs are effective, Carbetocin's single-dose regimen can be more convenient and potentially lead to fewer instances of uterine atony. Regulatory bodies like the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have approved Carbetocin for its indicated use based on robust clinical data demonstrating its efficacy and safety profile. (Cochrane, EMA SmPC, FDA label)
Like all medications, Carbetocin can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them. Common side effects reported may include nausea, abdominal pain, headache, flushing, hypotension (low blood pressure), dizziness, and tachycardia (rapid heart rate). Less common but more serious side effects can include chest pain, shortness of breath, and allergic reactions (e.g., rash, itching, swelling). Rarely, severe uterine contractions leading to uterine rupture have been reported, primarily in cases of overdose or improper administration. Blood disorders such as anemia can also occur due to heavy blood loss if the drug is not effective. It's important to report any unusual or severe symptoms to medical staff immediately. (EMA SmPC, MedlinePlus)
This is educational information, not medical advice — consult a qualified clinician before starting, stopping or combining any compound.
Carbetocin should only be administered by qualified healthcare professionals in a hospital setting where facilities for obstetric emergencies are readily available. It should not be used for induction of labor or augmentation of labor due to its potent and sustained uterotonic effect, which could lead to uterine hyperstimulation, fetal distress, and uterine rupture. Caution is advised in patients with cardiovascular disease, hypertension, or a history of epilepsy, as Carbetocin can affect blood pressure and heart rate. Renal or hepatic impairment may also affect the drug's metabolism and excretion, necessitating careful consideration. Close monitoring of blood pressure, heart rate, and uterine tone is recommended during and after administration. (EMA SmPC, FDA label)
This is educational information, not medical advice — consult a qualified clinician before starting, stopping or combining any compound.
Carbetocin is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to Carbetocin, oxytocin, or any of its excipients. It should not be used in cases of pre-existing cardiovascular disease, severe pre-eclampsia, or eclampsia where a rise in blood pressure could be dangerous. Carbetocin is also contraindicated in conditions where spontaneous labor is not advised (e.g., severe toxemia, placenta previa, vasa previa). It should not be used before the delivery of the baby, as it can cause strong uterine contractions leading to fetal distress or uterine rupture. Use in pregnant women before delivery, or for induction/augmentation of labor, is strictly contraindicated. (EMA SmPC, FDA label)
This is educational information, not medical advice — consult a qualified clinician before starting, stopping or combining any compound.
While specific drug-drug interaction studies for Carbetocin are limited, caution should be exercised when co-administering with other uterotonic agents due to the potential for cumulative effects and increased risk of uterine hypertonicity or rupture. For example, concomitant use with prostaglandins or ergots could augment uterine contractions and lead to adverse outcomes. Anesthetics, particularly inhalational agents like halothane, can decrease uterine sensitivity to oxytocin and Carbetocin, potentially requiring higher doses or reducing efficacy. Conversely, sympathomimetics may increase the risk of hypertension when used with Carbetocin. Close monitoring by a healthcare professional is crucial when other medications are administered concurrently. (EMA SmPC, DrugBank)
This is educational information, not medical advice — consult a qualified clinician before starting, stopping or combining any compound.
Carbetocin is administered as a single dose, typically either intravenously or intramuscularly, immediately after delivery of the baby and, ideally, before the delivery of the placenta. For intravenous administration, it is usually given slowly over one minute. The exact timing and route of administration are determined by the healthcare provider based on the clinical situation and the type of delivery (vaginal or Cesarean section). Due to its prolonged action, repeat doses are usually not required. (EMA SmPC, FDA label)
Source for this section: Sources for When should you take Carbetocin?: Jumps to this entry in the sources and references list at the end of the page.
What interacts with Carbetocin?
| Interacts with | Severity | Type | What happens | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Any peptide + hormone | Note | Category ruleConfidence: theoretical | Injectable peptides plus hormones can have overlapping or compounding effects that aren't always well characterized.Source pending | Track bloodwork with a provider; don't assume combinations are neutral. |
Frequently asked questions about Carbetocin
The main difference is Carbetocin's longer duration of action. It's a synthetic oxytocin analog designed to provide sustained uterine contractions, often with a single dose, making it an effective choice for preventing postpartum hemorrhage. (EMA SmPC)
No, Carbetocin is approved and available in many countries, particularly in Europe, Canada, and parts of Asia. However, its availability and approval status can vary by region. In some regions, oxytocin remains the primary uterotonic agent. (EMA SmPC)
No, Carbetocin is strictly contraindicated for the induction or augmentation of labor. Its powerful and sustained uterotonic effect could lead to uterine hyperstimulation, fetal distress, or uterine rupture if administered before the delivery of the baby. (FDA label)
When administered intravenously, Carbetocin typically begins to exert its uterotonic effect within minutes, providing rapid onset of uterine contractions. Its sustained action then helps maintain uterine tone for several hours. (EMA SmPC)
If you experience any side effects, especially severe or unusual ones like chest pain, difficulty breathing, or severe abdominal pain, you should immediately inform your healthcare provider. They can assess your condition and provide appropriate medical attention. (MedlinePlus)
Interaction risk for Carbetocin comes from the rest of the stack: other peptides, prescription medicines, hormone therapy and peptides. Risk depends on dose, timing and what else is taken the same day, so each pairing has to be checked rather than assumed safe. The free checker at https://doseroutine.com/interaction-checker covers Carbetocin with no sign-up.
Carbetocin is administered by injection, so the measured volume — not a tablet count — is the unit that matters. Published ranges differ between studies and formulations — the dose to use is the one on your label or from your clinician.
There is no single answer for Carbetocin plus TRT. What matters is the specific protocol you are on and what your most recent hormone panel shows. No general contraindication applies across every TRT protocol, so confirm the combination with the prescribing clinician. See the free TRT interaction reference: https://doseroutine.com/trt-supplement-interactions
Pairing Carbetocin with peptides has to be assessed one peptide at a time, because GLP-1 agonists, secretagogues, healing peptides and melanocortins do not share an interaction profile. Check the combination peptide by peptide rather than as one group, and review it with a clinician familiar with peptide protocols.
Published frequency for Carbetocin varies by protocol and formulation, so the label or prescription is what sets it. Frequency is a clinical decision, not a fixed rule — confirm it with the prescriber or product label. Comparison of apps that keep a schedule like this: https://doseroutine.com/best-dose-tracking-apps
The effect of a missed dose of Carbetocin depends on the protocol and formulation you are on. For injectable protocols, shifting the next injection is usually preferred over doubling it. Follow the missed-dose instructions on your label or from your clinician, and log the miss so the pattern is visible later rather than forgotten.
For an injectable like Carbetocin the record needs more than a checkbox: vial concentration, the measured volume, and which site the last injection went into. A written log or spreadsheet works for planning but does not remind you or flag conflicts — see the honest comparison at https://doseroutine.com/vs/spreadsheet and the wider roundup at https://doseroutine.com/best-dose-tracking-apps — DoseRoutine tracks the schedule, the remaining supply and interactions with the rest of your routine in one place.
Sources cited on this page
Specific documents referenced by the numbered markers above. Each number matches the marker in the text.
- PubChem CID 16681432(opens in a new tab)National Center for Biotechnology Information · pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/16681432
Verify at
Publisher search links for Carbetocin. These are places to check the information — they are not citations, so they are not numbered.
- Cochrane Library(publisher search, opens in a new tab)Cochrane · publisher search
- DrugBank(publisher search, opens in a new tab)DrugBank Online · publisher search
- European Medicines Agency(publisher search, opens in a new tab)European Medicines Agency · publisher search
- MedlinePlus(publisher search, opens in a new tab)U.S. National Library of Medicine · publisher search
- NIH Office of Dietary Supplements(publisher search, opens in a new tab)National Institutes of Health · publisher search
- FDA-approved labeling (DailyMed)(publisher search, opens in a new tab)U.S. Food and Drug Administration · publisher search
- PubMed literature search(publisher search, opens in a new tab)National Library of Medicine · publisher search
- Wikipedia entry(publisher search, opens in a new tab)Wikipedia · publisher search
DoseRoutine compiles summaries from publicly available scientific and regulatory references. Always verify important decisions with a licensed clinician. How we source and review this information.
What is the short answer on Carbetocin?
Plain-text summary, safe to quote verbatim:
Carbetocin is a synthetic analog of the natural pituitary hormone oxytocin. It is primarily used to prevent uterine atony and excessive bleeding (postpartum hemorrhage) following childbirth, particularly after a Cesarean section. Research on Carbetocin focuses on healthy aging. Carbetocin is administered by injection rather than orally.
Source: DoseRoutine — https://doseroutine.com/library/carbetocin
Cite this page
Using this in an article, AI answer, or research note? Please attribute:
DoseRoutine. (2026). Carbetocin — Overview, Benefits & Side Effects. Retrieved from https://doseroutine.com/library/carbetocin
What compounds are similar to Carbetocin?
Others in the peptide category or studied for the same goals.
Which goals is Carbetocin used for?
Other compounds studied for the same benefits as Carbetocin.
Continue exploring
See every compound DoseRoutine catalogs for these goals.