Question

The maximum dose of PGF2 alpha (15-methyl prostaglandin F2 alpha, carboprost) in postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) is:

• A. 2000 micrograms
• B. 200 micrograms
• C. 2 mg
• D. 20 mg

Hint:

0.25 mg per dose, up to 8 doses gives the cumulative maximum.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Carboprost (15-methyl PGF2 alpha) is a uterotonic used for atonic PPH unresponsive to oxytocin and ergometrine.
Step 2: It is given intramuscularly (or intramyometrially) at a dose of 0.25 mg (250 micrograms) per dose.
Step 3: The dose may be repeated every 15 minutes up to a maximum of 8 doses. Therefore the maximum total dose is \(0.25 \text{ mg} \times 8 = 2 \text{ mg}\).
Step 4: Option 1 (2000 micrograms = 2 mg) looks numerically equal but the conventional answer expressed in mg is 2 mg; 200 micrograms and 20 mg are not the cumulative maxima. Note carboprost is contraindicated in asthma.