A long-acting oxytocin analog given as a single dose after delivery.
Also known as: Duratocin · Pabal
Part of the Foundational & therapeutic peptides cluster
Overview
Carbetocin is a synthetic long-acting analog of oxytocin. Structural modifications extend its half-life to roughly 85-100 minutes versus a few minutes for oxytocin, allowing a single dose to sustain uterine contraction, and it is an approved therapeutic for preventing postpartum hemorrhage. This page is educational and not medical advice.
Source & context
Biological / chemical source: Synthetic octapeptide analog of oxytocin
Primary research or clinical context: Approved to prevent postpartum hemorrhage
Durability engineering
Deamination and a thioether substitution replace the disulfide bridge of oxytocin, protecting the peptide from rapid breakdown. The much longer half-life is why one dose can maintain uterine tone, a practical illustration of half-life extension in peptide design.
Uterotonic action
By activating uterine oxytocin receptors, carbetocin drives sustained contraction that reduces bleeding after delivery. A heat-stable formulation broadened its use in settings without reliable refrigeration, making it a notable global-health peptide.
FAQ about Carbetocin
What is Carbetocin?+
Carbetocin is a synthetic long-acting analog of oxytocin. Structural modifications extend its half-life to roughly 85-100 minutes versus a few minutes for oxytocin, allowing a single dose to sustain uterine contraction, and it is an approved therapeutic for preventing postpartum hemorrhage. This page is educational and not medical advice.
Is Carbetocin an approved medicine?+
Carbetocin: Approved to prevent postpartum hemorrhage. Always follow licensed medical guidance for approved products.
What is the typical length of Carbetocin?+
Carbetocin is commonly described as approximately 8 amino acids (Oxytocin analog).