Pharmacology · Prostaglandin analogues (obstetric use)

Carboprost !

Injectable prostaglandin F2α analogue that contracts the uterus when bleeding after birth does not respond to first-line drugs. It can cause bronchospasm.

Updated 2026-11-01

Class: Prostaglandin analogues (obstetric use)
Receptor: Prostaglandin F2α receptor (FP)
ATC code: G02AD04

Also called: Carboprost tromethamine, 15-methyl prostaglandin F2α

Prostaglandin F2α receptor (FP)Carboprost

Cryo-EM structure of the human FP receptor with carboprost bound and its Gq protein.

Target in 3D: Prostaglandin F2α receptor (FP). PDB structure 8IQ4 (RCSB PDB, public domain). View the structure at RCSB PDB

Mechanism of action

Carboprost is a 15-methyl analogue of prostaglandin F2α that lasts longer than the natural molecule. It binds the FP receptor, coupled to Gq, raises calcium in the myometrium and produces strong contractions similar to those of labour. It also contracts the smooth muscle of the bronchi and gut.

Carboprost binds the FP receptor (Gq) of the myometrium
Intracellular calcium rises and the uterus contracts strongly
The atonic uterus firms up and bleeding falls
Bronchi and gut also contract: bronchospasm and diarrhoea

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Deep intramuscular injection
Onset and duration: Peak blood levels about 15–60 minutes after an IM injection after birth

Indications

Postpartum haemorrhage due to uterine atony that has not responded to conventional measures Postpartum haemorrhage →
Second-trimester termination of pregnancy (label indication)

Adverse effects

Common

Vomiting, diarrhoea and nausea
Fever and flushing
Shortness of breath
High blood pressure

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to carboprost
Acute pelvic inflammatory disease
Active heart, lung, kidney or liver disease

Key interactions

Oxytocin and other oxytocic drugs: Carboprost augments their effect on the uterus

What is monitored

Breathing, oxygen saturation and wheeze
Temperature, blood pressure and heart rate
Uterine tone and blood loss
Fluid losses from vomiting and diarrhoea

Administration and safety

Deep intramuscular injection, the route the label describes.
Store refrigerated.
Used in a hospital with intensive care and surgery available, by trained staff.
Ask about asthma and heart, lung, kidney or liver disease before giving it.

Nursing care

Before the dose: ask about asthma and heart, lung, kidney or liver disease.
After the dose: listen for wheeze, check oxygen saturation, blood pressure and temperature.
Check uterine tone and blood loss; report persistent bleeding at once.
Expect vomiting, diarrhoea and fever; keep track of fluid losses.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

It causes strong uterine contractions; outside the postpartum period it is used only to end a pregnancy in the second trimester, in hospital.

Test yourself

Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it.

Which question must be asked before giving carboprost for postpartum haemorrhage?

Whether the patient has asthma: carboprost (a PGF2α analogue) can cause bronchospasm.

By which route is carboprost given?

Deep intramuscular injection.

Which receptor does carboprost activate?

The prostaglandin F2α (FP) receptor, coupled to Gq.

Add to my cards (3)

Postpartum haemorrhage

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Educational content on how drugs work; not a prescribing guide and no substitute for a health professional's advice. No doses are given.

Sources: DailyMed - CARBOPROST TROMETHAMINE- carboprost tromethamine injection, solution (DailyMed (U.S. National Library of Medicine), 2026); ATCDDD - ATC/DDD Index (WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology, 2026).

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Representative model, for educational purposes only.