Dinoprostone (Into the vagina)
dye-noe-PROST-one
Helps dilate the opening of the uterus (cervix) in a pregnant woman. Belongs to a class of drugs called prostaglandins.
Drug classes
Endocrine-Metabolic Agent, Uterine Stimulant (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Dinoprostone works by causing the cervix to thin and dilate (open) and the uterus to contract (cramp) the way it does during labor.
Dinoprostone may also be used for other purposes as determined by your doctor.
Dinoprostone is to be administered only by or under the immediate care of your doctor.
Once a medicine has been approved for marketing for a certain use, experience may show that it is also useful for other medical problems. Although these uses are not included in product labeling, dinoprostone is used in certain patients with the following medical condition:
Unusual increase in bleeding of the uterus after delivery (postpartum hemorrhage)
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Insert, Suppository, Gel/Jelly
You will receive this medicine in a hospital or clinic, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
A nurse or doctor will insert this medicine into your vagina so that the medicine comes into contact with your cervix. The nurse or doctor will need to use a speculum to insert the gel.
The gel or suppository should be brought to room temperature just before being placed in the vagina.
You will need to lie on your back for up to 2 hours after the insert is put in place. You will need to lie on your back for up to 30 minutes after the gel or suppository is inserted.
The insert will be removed 12 hours after it was inserted or when active labor begins.
How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:
If you use this medicine at home, store the insert or suppository in a freezer, away from heat and light until you are ready to insert it.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Let your doctor know if you are using any other vaginal medicines.
When Not To Use
You should not receive this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to dinoprostone.
Warnings
Tell your doctor if you have had any unusual vaginal bleeding, if you have had 6 or more full-term pregnancies, or if you have pelvic inflammatory disease.
Let your doctor know if you have heart disease, liver disease, kidney problems, asthma, lung disease, or a history of bleeding disorders, diabetes, glaucoma, or seizures.
If you are breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before using this medicine.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat
Labor pains
Trouble breathing or swallowing
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Fever or chills
Warm feeling in the vagina
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Cervidil, Prepidil, Prostin E2
There may be other brand names for this medicine.
