American Board of Family Medicine (ABFM) Practice Exam 2025 - Free ABFM Practice Questions and Study Guide

Methylergonovine is a medication that belongs to the ergot alkaloid class and is primarily used to prevent and treat postpartum hemorrhage by causing uterine contractions. Its mechanism of action involves vasoconstriction and increasing uterine tone, which can be particularly effective after childbirth.

The contraindication of methylergonovine in hypertensive patients is due to its vasoconstrictive properties. In individuals with hypertension, the use of this medication can lead to significant increases in blood pressure as it constricts blood vessels. This can pose serious risks, including the potential for hypertensive crises, strokes, or other cardiovascular complications. Therefore, in the context of patients with pre-existing high blood pressure, methylergonovine should be avoided to prevent exacerbating their condition.

In contrast, while there might be considerations regarding asthma, diabetes, and pregnancy, they do not present the same level of contraindication as hypertension when it comes to methylergonovine. Although caution is advised in certain contexts, the acute danger posed by its use in hypertensive patients is what primarily dictates the contraindication.