Dinoprostone
About Dinoprostone
Dinoprostone is a specialized vaginal medication used to prepare and soften the cervix (the neck of the womb) for labour induction in pregnant women. It is prescribed when childbirth needs to be started medically at or near the delivery date. This preparation makes it easier for the cervix to open, helping to facilitate a smoother delivery process.
Unlike routine medications, this treatment is typically given as a single application by a healthcare professional in a hospital setting. Because it is inserted vaginally, food does not affect how it works, and no routine dietary changes are necessary before its use. Staying well-hydrated and resting comfortably are the best ways to support the process during its application.
Some women may experience mild stomach cramping, a warm sensation in the vagina, or mild nausea after insertion. However, you must inform your healthcare provider immediately if you experience severe abdominal pain, unusually strong or frequent contractions, or vaginal bleeding. These serious reactions require prompt medical attention to ensure both your and your baby's safety.
Do not take this if you have had a cesarean section or major uterine surgery in the past, or if you have been told your baby is in an unusual position for birth. Before receiving Dinoprostone, tell your doctor if you have a history of asthma, glaucoma, high blood pressure, liver damage, or kidney disease. This helps your medical team assess if this is the safest option for your delivery.
Dinoprostone can interact with other labour-inducing drugs, which is why they should not be used at the same time. Since it is designed specifically to start labour, its use is strictly limited to late-stage pregnancy under medical supervision, and it is not intended for breastfeeding or elderly individuals. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about how other substances might affect this treatment.
Uses of Dinoprostone
Medicinal Benefits
Dinoprostone helps prepare the cervix for labour and supports the induction of childbirth when medically indicated. By promoting cervical ripening and helping labour progress, it supports a safer and more effective delivery process under medical supervision.
Benefits may include:
- Helps soften and prepare the cervix for labour.
- Supports the induction of labour when recommended by your doctor.
- Promotes more effective progression of labour.
- May help reduce the duration of labour in appropriate patients.
- Increases the likelihood of a successful vaginal delivery when used as indicated.
- Supports safe labour management under close medical supervision.
Directions for Use
- Dinoprostone is for vaginal use only.
- It is not intended for self-application, as it is administered by a healthcare professional in a hospital setting at the appropriate time to help your cervix for labour.
- Dinoprostone is applied directly to the cervix through the vagina using a specialized applicator. This is typically done while you are lying on your back.
- After the application, you will need to remain lying down for 15 to 30 minutes, and possibly up to 2 hours, unless your doctor gives different instructions.
Storage
Side Effects of Dinoprostone
Common Side Effects (Usually mild):
- Warm or tingling feeling in the vagina
- Mild stomach upset or nausea
- Mild pelvic cramping
- Low-grade fever or warm flushes
Serious Side Effects (Call a doctor right away):
- Contractions that are too strong, painful, or lasting too long
- Severe abdominal pain or continuous cramping
- Sudden, unexpected vaginal bleeding
- Signs of an allergic reaction, such as skin rash, itching, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, or throat
Medicines Containing this Salt
View AllDrug Warnings
- Do not insert or adjust the medicine yourself: Dinoprostone should only be inserted, removed, or adjusted by a qualified healthcare professional.
- Do not pull or adjust the retrieval string: If a vaginal insert with a retrieval string is used, do not pull, tug, or adjust the string, as this may displace the medicine.
- Expect close monitoring during treatment: Your baby's heart rate and your uterine contractions will be monitored regularly or continuously throughout treatment.
- Report changes immediately: Inform your doctor or nurse right away if your water breaks or you experience a sudden gush or leakage of fluid.
- Follow positioning instructions: Remain lying down for the length of time recommended by your healthcare team to help keep the medication in place and ensure it works effectively.
Drug Interactions
- Other labor-inducing medicines (e.g., oxytocin): Taking these medicines alongside Dinoprostone may cause excessively strong or frequent uterine contractions. Your doctor will carefully monitor and time these treatments if both are needed.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeNo interactions were established.
Pregnancy
safe if prescribedDinoprostone is used to induce uterine contractions at delivery time. It is not for self-application purposes as usually applied in hospital settings under the supervision of medical healthcare professionals.
Breast Feeding
cautionDinoprostone is most likely unsafe to use while breastfeeding. Based on limited human data, the drug may pass into breast milk and harm your infant.
Driving
unsafeNo interactions were established.
Liver
cautionInform your doctor if you have liver problems before taking Dinoprostone. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and the risks before prescribing this medicine.
Kidney
cautionDinoprostone can cause fluid retention if used in patients with kidney disease. Hence, inform your doctor if you have kidney problems before taking Dinoprostone. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and the risks before prescribing this medicine.
Children
unsafeDinoprostone is not recommended for children below the age of 18 years. The safety and effectiveness of Dinoprostone have not been established in children due to limited testing of this drug on children by competent authorities worldwide.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Stay well hydrated: Drink plenty of water or clear fluids before your procedure, as staying hydrated helps support normal muscle function during contractions.
- Eat light meals: Choose light, easily digestible meals before your hospital admission to help reduce the risk of nausea or stomach discomfort.
- Practice breathing exercises: Use deep, rhythmic breathing techniques to help you stay relaxed and manage early cramps as the medicine begins to take effect.
- Maintain a comfortable resting position: Keep a comfortable, supportive position while resting in bed during the recommended lying-down period after the medicine has been inserted.
Special Advise
- Your and baby's heart rate should be constantly monitored while using Dinoprostone to avoid any complications.
- Dinoprostone is given for induction of labour or stimulation of labour; it must be given under medical supervision in a hospital. The doctor will advise lying down for 30 minutes after using Dinoprostone.
- If you have genital herpes infection, do not use Dinoprostone.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Labour induction: When artificial oxytocin is induced to stimulate the uterus to contract, it is known as labour induction. There are various reasons for labour induction, like miscarriage if pregnancy lasts longer than 42 weeks, a cesarean section or if your water breaks out. Induction of labour is planned in advance, and your doctor will discuss all the advantages and disadvantages with you priorly.
FAQs
Dinoprostone is used for the initiation or improvement of uterine contraction (antepartum) and producing uterine contraction during the third stage of labour (postpartum).
Dinoprostone contains a prostaglandin Dinoprostene that works by increasing the production of a natural substance called prostaglandins (PGs), which softens and widens the cervix (opening of the womb) and increases uterus contractions. As a result, these increased uterine contractions and widened cervix help deliver the child.
Dinoprostone is given as a suppository or a gel applied at a hospital only under strict medical supervision. The dose to be administered will be decided by your doctor, depending on your current medical situation.
The most common side effects of Dinoprostone include vomiting, back pain, diarrhoea, flushing of the skin, and fetal distress. You might also feel increased uterine contractions for some time, but these are manageable under medical supervision.
If you have a previous premature delivery or a c-section, or cervical surgery, please inform your doctor before starting Dinoprostone. Also, mention a detailed medical history to your doctor to avoid complications.
No, Dinoprostone should be taken in the dose and duration as advised by the doctor. If you take it in more than the recommended dose, it might cause unpleasant side effects like fetal distress or delivery complications.
It is advised to use Dinoprostone only if prescribed by a doctor as there are chances of increased complications in women aged 35 and above and if you smoke.
For some women, contractions may begin within a few hours of insertion, while for others, it gently prepares the cervix over a longer period before labour starts. Talk to your doctor.
The insertion process is similar to a standard pelvic exam and may cause brief discomfort, but it is generally not painful. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
If the insert slips out, tell your nurse or doctor immediately so they can check your progress and replace it if necessary. Talk to your doctor.
The vaginal insert version has a retrieval string that allows your healthcare provider to pull it out quickly if your contractions become too intense. Talk to your doctor.
Your clinical team will use external monitors placed on your abdomen to track your baby’s heart rate and the frequency of your contractions. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
If your cervix does not ripen or labour does not progress, your medical team will evaluate your situation and discuss alternative options, such as other medications or a cesarean delivery. Talk to your doctor.
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