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Clear glass ampoule of sterile solution on a white clinical tray
DoseRoutine Carbetocin — Clear glass ampoule of sterile solution on a white clinical tray. Original DoseRoutine photography.
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.

How much Carbetocin do people take?

100 micrograms given as a single intravenous or intramuscular dose in the cited trials and reviews. Route reported: Intravenous or intramuscular injection, given by a clinician. Frequency reported: Single dose immediately after delivery of the infant (or after cord clamping at cesarean). These are amounts documented in the cited studies and labels for Carbetocin — they are reported for reference, not a recommendation. Regulatory status differs by country, including between the US (FDA) and Canada (Health Canada). Confirm any amount with a licensed clinician before you take it.

See the full reported protocol and its sources

Researched by DoseRoutine Research TeamReviewed for accuracy by Nicholas Alexander, RSE, SO, PMPLast updated Educational reference only — not medical advice. Always confirm dosing and safety decisions with a licensed clinician.

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.

Chemical structure of Carbetocin (PubChem CID 16681432)
Structure via PubChem
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]
Route studied
Intravenous or intramuscular injection, given by a clinician[1][2][3]
Frequency
Single dose immediately after delivery of the infant (or after cord clamping at cesarean)[1][2][3]
Cycle length
Single-use; not a repeated-dosing regimen[1][2][3]
Half-life
Roughly 40 minutes, longer than native oxytocin, per the cited reviews[1][2][3]
Storage
Refrigerated per product labeling; some formulations are room-temperature stable[1][2][3]

Reported for Carbetocin in the cited sources. Published ranges are not dosing advice.

Mixing Carbetocin: bacteriostatic water and syringe units

The vial arrives as dry powder. How much water you add sets the strength, and the strength sets the mark you draw to on the syringe. The table assumes a 5 mg vial and a 250 mcg example draw on a U-100 insulin syringe, where 100 units is one millilitre. If your vial is a different size, scale it — the arithmetic is the same.

Bacteriostatic water addedResulting strength250 mcg draws to
1 mL5 mg/mL5 units
2 mL2.5 mg/mL10 units
3 mL1.67 mg/mL15 units

Units, not millilitres. Insulin syringes are marked in units, and mixing up mcg and mg on a peptide label is the single most common error people report. Check the label twice. Run your own vial through the calculator.

Storage and stability

Before mixing
Sealed and still as a dry powder, Carbetocin vials are normally kept in the fridge at 2–8 °C, out of light. Short spells at room temperature during shipping are the norm for lyophilized peptides and are not, on their own, a sign the vial is spoiled.
After mixing
Once bacteriostatic water goes in, the vial belongs in the fridge and is generally treated as good for about 28 days — that is how long the benzyl alcohol in bacteriostatic water is relied on to hold back bacterial growth. Plain sterile water has no preservative, so a vial mixed with it is a single-session vial. Never freeze a reconstituted vial.
When to throw it out
A properly mixed vial is clear. Cloudiness, floating strands, a color change or powder that will not go into solution after gentle swirling all mean the vial should be discarded rather than used. Shaking a peptide vial hard is the usual cause — swirl it, or run the water down the inside wall of the vial instead of onto the powder.

Handling and shelf-life figures describe general practice for lyophilized peptides. They are not a dose and not medical advice — your prescriber or the product label sets the amount.

References & evidence

Documents the Carbetocin entry is written from. Each number matches an inline marker above.

  1. [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. [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. [3]Uterine atonyMiller HE, Ansari JR · Current Opinion in Obstetrics & Gynecology · 2022 · Peer-reviewed · PMID 35102109

References & Evidence

Sources on this page that document Carbetocin dosing, timing and safety.

  1. [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?

Longevity

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.

Put it into practice

Reading about Carbetocin is the first step — DoseRoutine helps you act on it. These free tools turn what you just learned into a routine.

What interacts with Carbetocin?

Documented interactions for Carbetocin: the other compound, the severity and confidence of the interaction, what happens, and what to do.
Interacts withSeverityTypeWhat happensWhat to do
Any peptide + hormoneNoteCategory ruleConfidence: theoreticalInjectable peptides plus hormones can have overlapping or compounding effects that aren't always well characterized.Source pendingTrack 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.

100 micrograms given as a single intravenous or intramuscular dose in the cited trials and reviews. Route reported: Intravenous or intramuscular injection, given by a clinician. Frequency reported: Single dose immediately after delivery of the infant (or after cord clamping at cesarean). These are amounts documented in the cited studies and labels for Carbetocin — they are reported for reference, not a recommendation. Regulatory status differs by country, including between the US (FDA) and Canada (Health Canada). Confirm any amount with a licensed clinician before you take it.

Sources cited on this page

Specific documents referenced by the numbered markers above. Each number matches the marker in the text.

  1. 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.

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

Carbetocin cheat sheet

DoseRoutine cheat sheet · Peptide

Carbetocin

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.

Evidence

Strong

65 human randomized trials and regulatory approval on file.

Studied range

100 micrograms given as a single intravenous or intramuscular dose in the cited trials and reviews

Route

Intravenous or intramuscular injection, given by a clinician

Frequency studied

Single dose immediately after delivery of the infant (or after cord clamping at cesarean)

Half-life

Roughly 40 minutes, longer than native oxytocin, per the cited reviews

Storage

Refrigerated per product labeling; some formulations are room-temperature stable

Prescription 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-administeredLongevity

Key references

  1. Uterotonic agents for preventing postpartum haemorrhage: a network meta-analysis (2025)
  2. Third stage of labor: evidence-based practice for prevention of adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes (2024)
  3. Uterine atony (2022)

Studied ranges, not dosing advice. Not medical advice — talk to a clinician. 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
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