Dinoprostone is a uterotonic drug developed by the U.S. Food And Drug Administration and initially approved for treating labor in pregnant women.

Dinoprostone is used to induce labor in pregnant women. It facilitates cervical ripening and manages certain pregnancy-related complications. It is a synthetic form of prostaglandin E2, a hormone that influences uterine contractions and cervical changes.

Dinoprostone gel is administered intravaginally for the purpose of cervical ripening or labor induction. Using a sterile applicator, the physician gently inserts the gel into the patient's vagina and places it close to the cervix. After application, the patient is monitored for some time.

The side effects known to occur commonly during the treatment with Dinoprostone are uterine contractions, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, headache, and changes in blood pressure. Some serious side effects include severe abdominal pain, heavy vaginal bleeding, and signs of an allergic reaction (swelling, rash, itching, difficulty breathing).

Before receiving Dinoprostone, it's important to inform your physician about any allergies, sensitivities,  existing heart, lung, kidney, or liver disease, previous uterine surgeries, or cesarean sections in your medical history, as well as any ongoing use of medications, supplements, or herbal products. This information will help ensure the safe and effective use of the medication for your specific situation. 

This medicine can only be given in the later stages of pregnancy to induce labour. Consult your doctor for more advice. While this drug is found in breast milk, it poses no harm to your baby. Therefore, you can continue breastfeeding without concern after childbirth.

Dinoprostone can cause uterine contractions, which are necessary for labor but could potentially be harmful if used inappropriately. It's necessary to ensure that the medication is administered correctly to avoid excessive contractions or complications.

1. Pfizer, Electronic medicines compendium (EMC), [ Revised on June 2021] [ Accessed on 26th August 2023], https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.1090.pdf
2. Pfizer, US Food and Drug Administration, [ Revised on Feb 2010] [ Accessed on 26th August 2023], https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2010/019617s010lbl.pdf
3. KD Tripathi, Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes and Platelet-activating factor, 7th edition, 2013, 189.
4. Goodman & Gilman’s, The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, Contraception and Pharmacotherapy of Obstetrical, 12th edition, 2011, 1850.

The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice; it is meant for educational purposes only. For further details, consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you are eligible to receive this treatment.