OXT and Hypertension: IM syntometrine is shown to be as effective as intravenous oxytocin,7 and it appears to be associated with a small but statistically significant reduction in the risk of postpartum haemorrhage when compared with oxytocin if blood loss is between 500 and 1000 ml.5 Because ergotamine can stimulate smooth muscle contraction and vasoconstriction, it may raise blood pressure8 and rarely lead to coronary artery spasm;9 therefore, syntometrine is contraindicated in women with asthma, hypertension or cardiac disease.