MedlinePlus Drug Information: Dinoprostone

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Other drug names:	A-Am An-Az B C-Ch Ci-Cz D-Dh Di-Dz E F G H I-J K-L M-Mh Mi-Mz N-Nh Ni-Nz O P-Pl Pm-Pz Q-R S-Sn So-Sz T-To Tp-Tz U-V W-Z 0-9

Dinoprostone

(dye noe prost' one)

Brand name(s): Cervidil; Prepidil

Contents of this page:
Why is this medication prescribed? How should this medicine be used? What special precautions should I follow?	What side effects can this medication cause? What storage conditions are needed for this medicine? What other information should I know?

Why is this medication prescribed?

Dinoprostone is used to prepare the cervix for the induction of labor in pregnant women who are at or near term.This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How should this medicine be used?

Dinoprostone comes as a vaginal insert and as a gel that is inserted high into the vagina. It is administered using a syringe, by a health professional in a hospital or clinic setting. After the dose has been administered you should remain lying down for up to 2 hours as directed by your physician. A second dose of the gel may be administered in 6 hours if the first dose does not produce the desired response.

What special precautions should I follow?

Before taking dinoprostone,

tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to dinoprostone or any other drugs.
tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, including vitamins.
tell your doctor if you have or have ever had asthma; anemia; a cesarean section or any other uterine surgery; diabetes; high or low blood pressure; placenta previa; a seizure disorder; six or more previous term pregnancies; glaucoma or increased pressure in the eye; cephalopelvic disproportion; previous difficult or traumatic deliveries; unexplained vaginal bleeding; or heart, liver, or kidney disease.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Side effects from dinoprostone are not common, but they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

upset stomach
vomiting
diarrhea
dizziness
flushing of the skin
headache
fever

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

unpleasant vaginal discharge
continued fever
chills and shivering
increase in vaginal bleeding several days after treatment
chest pain or tightness
skin rash
hives
difficulty breathing
unusual swelling of the face

What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?

Dinoprostone gel should be stored in a refrigerator. The inserts should be stored in a freezer. Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children.

What other information should I know?

Keep all appointments with your doctor. Do not let anyone else use your medication.

Last Revised - 01/01/2003

American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. Disclaimer