uses
What is dinoprostone used for?Dinoprostone is commonly used to soften and prepare the cervix (a process called cervical ripening) before inducing labor at or near the end of pregnancy.Dinoprostone may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.How does dinoprostone work (mechanism of action)?Dinoprostone is similar to a natural substance in the body called prostaglandin. It works by helping to break down collagen in the cervix, just like how the body naturally prepares for labor. This helps soften and open the cervix, making it easier for labor to progress.How is dinoprostone supplied (dosage forms)?Brands and other namesCervidilPrepidilDosage forms and strengths0.5 mg/3 g cervical gel10 mg vaginal insertHow should I store dinoprostone?Dinoprostone is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic. You will not store it at home.
how to use
gel that is inserted into the cervix, vaginal insert
drug interactions
Does dinoprostone interact with foods or drinks?There are no known interactions between dinoprostone and foods or drinks.It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect dinoprostone.Does dinoprostone interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.In particular, dinoprostone should not be used at the same time as oxytocin or medicines similar to oxytocin, which is used to induce labor.This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with dinoprostone. Always check with your health care provider.
side effects
What are the most common side effects of dinoprostone?The most common side effects of dinoprostone are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.Fast contractions of the uterus or contractions that last a long timeStomach problems, such as diarrhea, vomiting, or nauseaBack painWarm feeling in the vaginaFeverFetal distress (see below)There may be other side effects of dinoprostone that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.What are the serious side effects of dinoprostone?While less common, the most serious side effects of dinoprostone are described below, along with what to do if they happen.Severe Allergic Reactions. Dinoprostone may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.Breathing problems or wheezingRacing heartFever or general ill feelingSwollen lymph nodesSwelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throatTrouble swallowing or throat tightnessItching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hivesNausea or vomitingDizziness, feeling lightheaded, or faintingStomach crampsJoint painAmniotic Fluid Embolism. Dinoprostone may increase the risk of a rare but serious condition where amniotic fluid (liquid that surrounds and cushions the baby in the womb) or fetal tissue enters the mother’s bloodstream. This can cause a severe reaction that can be life threatening. You will be carefully monitored in a hospital or clinic during treatment with dinoprostone. Tell your health care provider right away if you notice possible signs of amniotic fluid embolism, such as trouble breathing, low blood pressure or dizziness, or bleeding problems. Fetal Distress. Dinoprostone may cause your uterus to have strong or fast contractions, which could affect your baby’s heart rate. Long contractions may also occur, which can affect blood flow to your baby. Your health care provider will closely monitor you and your baby for any problems, like unusual contractions or signs of distress in your baby, while you are using dinoprostone.Clotting and Bleeding After Delivery (Postpartum). Dinoprostone may increase the risk of a serious condition called disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). In DIC, abnormal clotting in the blood can lead to severe bleeding and other problems in the mother after giving birth. Some people may be at higher risk, including those who are age 30 or older, who have had problems while pregnant, and who are past their due date (over 40 weeks). Tell your health care provider right away if you notice signs of DIC, such as bruising or heavy, prolonged bleeding.
overdose and misseddose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much dinoprostone?If you or someone else has used too much dinoprostone, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.What should I do if I miss a dose of dinoprostone?Dinoprostone is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic. Your health care provider will make sure you receive dinoprostone at the proper time, if appropriate.
warnings and Precautions
Who should not use dinoprostone?Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use dinoprostone.CervidilDinoprostonePrepidilAny other medicine known as a prostaglandinAny of the ingredients in the specific product dispensedYour pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific dinoprostone products they stock.Unsafe Conditions For Use. Dinoprostone should not be used in people with any of the following conditions or situations.  Fetal distress or conditions where contractions for a long time may be unsafe for the babyUnexplained vaginal bleeding during the current pregnancy, placenta previa, or situations where vaginal delivery is not safe Suspected or known problems with the baby’s head size in relation to the birth canalPast problems during labor and deliveryPast cesarean section (C-section) or other surgery of the uterusSix or more full-term pregnancies in the pastBaby is not in a head-down position in the wombAny condition where labor induction is not safe or recommendedDrug Interactions. Dinoprostone should not be used while you are receiving certain other medicines. Before using dinoprostone, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.What should I know about dinoprostone before using it?Dinoprostone is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic. It is inserted into the vagina or cervix.After dinoprostone is placed by a health care provider, they will tell you to stay lying on your back for a certain length of time. If it feels like the medicine is coming out, tell your health care provider right away.People who are 30 and older can be at greater risk for some side effects from dinoprostone. Talk to your health care provider about your risks if you are in this age group. See the Side Effects section for more details.What should I tell my health care provider before using dinoprostone?Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if dinoprostone is right for you.In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following conditions or factors.  Problems during your pregnancyPast your due date (over 40 weeks) or your water already broke (ruptured membranes)High pressure inside the eye or glaucomaAsthmaKidney or liver problemsPregnancy. Dinoprostone is commonly used at or near the end of pregnancy to help prepare for labor induction. It is possible that dinoprostone may lead to signs of distress in an unborn baby. You and your baby will be closely monitored during dinoprostone treatment. Your health care provider will advise you if you should use dinoprostone.Breastfeeding. People who are breastfeeding are not usually prescribed dinoprostone. It is not known if dinoprostone passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
about
Dinoprostone is used to help prepare the cervix for the induction of labor in pregnancy. It is placed into the vagina or cervix by a health care provider. Dinoprostone softens and opens the cervix, making it easier for labor to progress. Common side effects may include stomach discomfort, back pain, and contractions, which may affect the baby’s heart rate. While less common, more serious side effects may include blood clots or bleeding after giving birth and a rare but serious condition called amniotic fluid embolism.