(dye noe PROST one)
Endocervical gel (Prepidil): Promote cervical ripening in patients at or near term in whom there is a medical or obstetrical indication for the induction of labor
Suppositories (Prostin E2): Terminate pregnancy from 12th through 20th week of gestation; evacuate uterus in cases of missed abortion or intrauterine fetal death up to 28 weeks of gestation; manage benign hydatidiform mole (nonmetastatic gestational trophoblastic disease)
Tablet (oral) (Prostin E2; [Canadian product]): Elective induction of labor; when indications for induction of labor exist (eg, premature rupture of amniotic membranes, toxemia of pregnancy, Rh incompatibility, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, postmaturity, intrauterine death or fetal growth retardation)
Vaginal gel (Prostin E2; [Canadian product]): Induction of labor in patients at or near term with singleton pregnancy, vertex presentation, and favorable induction features
Vaginal insert (Cervidil): Initiation and/or continuation of cervical ripening in patients at or near term in whom there is a medical or obstetrical indication for the induction of labor
Generally, labor induction is contraindicated whenever spontaneous labor or vaginal delivery is contraindicated (ACOG 2009); manufacturer specific contraindications are listed by dosage form.
All dosage forms: Hypersensitivity to prostaglandins or any component of the formulation
Endocervical gel: Patients in whom oxytocic drugs are contraindicated; history of cesarean section or major uterine surgery; presence of cephalopelvic disproportion; fetal distress when delivery is not imminent; unexplained vaginal bleeding during this pregnancy; history of difficult labor and/or traumatic delivery; ≥6 previous term pregnancies with nonvertex presentation; hyperactive or hypertonic uterine patterns; obstetric emergencies when surgical intervention would be favorable; placenta previa; when vaginal delivery is not indicated (eg, vasa previa, active herpes genitalia)
Canadian labeling: Additional contraindications (not in U.S. labeling): History of epilepsy; fetal malpresentation; overdistention of the uterus (multiple pregnancies, polyhydramnios); ruptured amniotic membranes or suspected chorioamnionitis
Suppository: Acute pelvic inflammatory disease; active cardiac, pulmonary, renal, or hepatic disease
Tablet (oral) [Canadian product]: Active cardiac, pulmonary, renal or hepatic disease; simultaneous use with other oxytocics; history of cesarean section or major uterine surgery; presence of cephalopelvic disproportion; history of difficult labor and/or traumatic delivery; ≥6 pregnancies; suspected or clinically evident preexisting fetal distress; overdistention of the uterus (multiple pregnancy, polyhydramnios); preexisting uterine hypertonus; situations where a responsible physician is unavailable; engagement of head not taken place; unexplained vaginal bleeding during this pregnancy; fetal malpresentation; gynecological, obstetrical or medical conditions that preclude vaginal delivery; pregnancy complicated by abnormal position of the placenta or umbilical cord; history of or existing pelvic inflammatory disease unless adequately treated
Vaginal gel [Canadian product]: Active cardiac, pulmonary, renal or hepatic disease; simultaneous use with other oxytocics; history of cesarean section or major uterine surgery; presence of cephalopelvic disproportion; history of difficult labor and/or traumatic delivery; ≥6 term pregnancies; suspected or clinically evident preexisting fetal distress; overdistention of the uterus (multiple pregnancy, polyhydramnios); preexisting uterine hypertonus; situations where a responsible physician is unavailable; engagement of head not taken place; unexplained vaginal bleeding during this pregnancy; fetal malpresentation; gynecological, obstetrical or medical conditions that preclude vaginal delivery; pregnancy complicated by abnormal position of the placenta or umbilical cord; history of or existing pelvic inflammatory disease unless adequately treated; ruptured amniotic membranes or suspected chorioamnionitis
Vaginal insert: Patients in whom oxytocic drugs are contraindicated; history of cesarean section or major uterine surgery; presence of cephalopelvic disproportion; fetal distress when delivery is not imminent; unexplained vaginal bleeding during this pregnancy; patients already receiving IV oxytocic drugs; ≥6 previous term pregnancies
Canadian labeling: Additional contraindications (not in U.S. labeling): Placenta previa; history of difficult labor and/or traumatic delivery; overdistention of the uterus (multiple pregnancies, polyhydramnios); fetal malpresentation; history of uncontrolled epilepsy; history of or existing pelvic inflammatory disease unless adequately treated
Use dinoprostone, as with other potent oxytocic agents, only with strict adherence to recommended dosages.
Experienced physician:Dinoprostone should be used by medically trained personnel in a hospital that can provide immediate intensive care and acute surgical facilities.
Abortifacient:Vaginal suppository: Insert 20 mg (1 suppository) high in vagina, repeat at 3- to 5-hour intervals until abortion occurs; continued administration for longer than 2 days is not advisable
Cervical ripening:
Endocervical gel: Using catheter supplied with gel, insert 0.5 mg into the cervical canal. May repeat every 6 hours if needed. Maximum cumulative dose: 1.5 mg/24 hours
Tablet (oral) [Canadian product]:
Induction: Initial: 0.5 mg and then repeat 0.5 mg dose 1 hour later; may give additional 0.5 mg dose on an hourly basis as needed for satisfactory uterine response. Maintain patient at the lowest effective dose. Note: Failure to induce regular contractions after 8 hours indicates failed induction and alternative management of patient should be considered. If patient vomits an intact tablet during therapy repeat dose. If patient vomits intact tablets following 2 successive doses, withhold therapy until next scheduled dose. If patient vomits a partial tablet or if no tablet is visible, continue at next regularly scheduled dose.
Parity ≥2 times or Bishop Score of ≥6: Administer 0.5 mg hourly throughout induction (discontinue hourly dose for excessive uterine activity)
Nulliparous or multiparous and resistant to induction (Bishop Score <6): If inadequate response after 2 hours of therapy may increase dose in 0.5 mg increments at hourly intervals up to a maximum single dose of 1.5 mg.
Maintenance of labor: 0.5 mg dose hourly; may occasionally withhold hourly dose to assess need for further dosing
Vaginal gel [Canadian product]: Initial: Using prefilled syringe, insert 1 mg into the posterior fornix of the vaginal canal; may give 1 additional dose of 1-2 mg 6 hours later if needed.
Vaginal insert: Insert 10 mg transversely into the posterior fornix of the vagina (to be removed at the onset of active labor or after 12 hours)
Females of reproductive age: Refer to adult dosing.
Endocervical gel: Bring to room temperature just prior to use. Do not force the warming process (eg, water bath, microwave). Avoid contact with skin while handling; wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after administration. For cervical ripening, patient should be supine in the dorsal position. The appropriate catheter length should be based on degree of effacement; 20 mm for no effacement; 10 mm if 50% effaced. Patient should remain supine for 15-30 minutes following administration. The manufacturer recommends waiting 6-12 hours after dinoprostone gel administration before initiating oxytocin.
Tablet (oral) [Canadian product]: Administer with small amount of water. Use of oxytocin should be avoided until ≥1 hour after administration of the last oral tablet.
Vaginal gel: [Canadian product]: Using prefilled syringe, dose is placed in the posterior fornix of the vagina. Patient should remain in lateral or supine position for 30 minutes to prevent leakage. Syringe contains overfill. Syringe is for single use only. Use of oxytocin should be avoided for 12-24 hours after administration of vaginal gel.
Vaginal insert: One vaginal insert is placed transversely in the posterior fornix of the vagina immediately after removal from its foil package. Patients should remain in the recumbent position for 2 hours after insertion, but thereafter may be ambulatory. Do not use without retrieval system. Product does not need warmed prior to use. A water miscible lubricant may be used to facilitate insertion (avoid excessive use of lubricant). Ensure complete removal of system at completion of therapy. The manufacturer recommends waiting ≥30 minutes after removing the dinoprostone vaginal insert before initiating oxytocin.
Vaginal suppository: Insert high into vagina after removal from its foil package. Bring to room temperature just prior to use. Patient should remain supine for 10 minutes following insertion.
Hazardous agent; use appropriate precautions for handling and disposal (NIOSH 2014 [group 3]).
Endocervical gel should be stored under refrigeration at 2 ‚ °C to 8 ‚ °C (36 ‚ °F to 46 ‚ °F).
Suppositories must be kept frozen; store in freezer not above -20 ‚ °C (-4 ‚ °F).
Tablets (oral) [Canadian product]: Store under refrigeration at 2 ‚ °C to 8 ‚ °C (36 ‚ °F to 46 ‚ °F). Discard unused tablets 90 days after bottle is opened.
Vaginal gel [Canadian product]: Store under refrigeration at 2 ‚ °C to 8 ‚ °C (36 ‚ °F to 46 ‚ °F).
Vaginal insert should be stored in freezer between -20 ‚ °C and -10 ‚ °C (-4 ‚ °F and 14 ‚ °F).
Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling.
Gel, Vaginal:
Prepidil: 0.5 mg/3 g (3 g)
Insert, Vaginal:
Cervidil: 10 mg (1 ea)
Suppository, Vaginal:
Prostin E2: 20 mg (5 ea)
Carbetocin: Dinoprostone may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Carbetocin. Specifically, Carbetocin oxytocic effects may be enhanced. Avoid combination
Oxytocin: Dinoprostone may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Oxytocin. Specifically,oxytocic effects may be enhanced. Consider therapy modification
Gel, insert: Fetal heart rate, uterine activity, progression of cervical dilation and effacement
Suppository: Confirmation of fetal death
Endocervical gel:
1% to 10%:
Central nervous system: Localized warm feeling (vagina; 2%)
Gastrointestinal: Gastrointestinal distress (6%)
Genitourinary: Uterine contractions (abnormal 7%)
Neuromuscular & skeletal: Back pain (3%)
<1% (Limited to important or life-threatening): Amnionitis, amniotic fluid embolism (anaphylactoid syndrome of pregnancy), disseminated intravascular coagulation (postpartum), hypersensitivity reaction (including anaphylaxis, anaphylactic shock, and anaphylactoid reaction), premature rupture of membranes, uterine rupture (with intracervical administration)
Suppository:
Frequency not defined:
Cardiovascular: Cardiac arrhythmia, chest pain, chest tightness, hypotension, syncope
Central nervous system: Chills, dizziness, headache, paresthesia, shivering, tension
Dermatologic: Diaphoresis, skin discoloration, skin rash
Endocrine & metabolic: Dehydration, hot flash
Gastrointestinal: Diarrhea, endometritis, nausea, vomiting
Genitourinary: Breast tenderness, urinary retention, uterine rupture, vaginal pain, vaginismus, vaginitis, vulvitis
Neuromuscular & skeletal: Arthralgia, arthritis (new or exacerbated), back pain, leg cramps (nocturnal), muscle cramps, myalgia, neck stiffness, tremor, weakness
Ophthalmic: Blurred vision, eye pain
Otic: Auditory impairment
Respiratory: Cough, dyspnea, laryngitis, pharyngitis, wheezing
Miscellaneous: Fever
<1% (Limited to important or life-threatening): Myocardial infarction
Tablets (oral) [Canadian product]:
Frequency not always defined:
Cardiovascular: Amniotic fluid embolism (pulmonary), cardiac arrest
Central nervous system: Malaise (transient vasovagal symptoms)
Gastrointestinal: Vomiting (with or without nausea/diarrhea: 21% to 50%; dose dependent)
Genitourinary: Hypertonic uterine contractions (3%), cervical dilation (rapid), placental abruption, uterine contractions (abnormal), uterine rupture
Hypersensitivity: Hypersensitivity reaction (including anaphylaxis, anaphylactic shock, and nonimmunologic anaphylaxis [formerly known as anaphylactoid reaction])
Neuromuscular & skeletal: Back pain
Respiratory: Asthma
<1% (Limited to important or life-threatening): Disseminated intravascular coagulation
Vaginal gel [Canadian product]:
Frequency not always defined:
Cardiovascular: Cardiac arrest
Central nervous system: Localized warm feeling (vagina)
Gastrointestinal: Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting
Genitourinary: Hypertonic uterine contractions (3%), uterine contractions (abnormal), uterine rupture
Hypersensitivity: Hypersensitivity reaction (including anaphylaxis, anaphylactic shock, and nonimmunologic anaphylaxis [formerly known as anaphylactoid reaction])
Neuromuscular & skeletal: Back pain
Miscellaneous: Fever
<1% (Limited to important or life-threatening): Disseminated intravascular coagulation
Vaginal insert:
1% to 10%:
Genitourinary: Hypertonic uterine contractions (without fetal distress 2% to 5%, with fetal distress 3%)
<1% (Limited to important or life-threatening): Amniotic fluid embolism (anaphylactoid syndrome of pregnancy), disseminated intravascular coagulation (postpartum), hypersensitivity reactions, hypotension, uterine rupture
Concerns related to adverse effects:
- Anaphylactoid syndrome of pregnancy: Intracervical placement of endocervical gel, vaginal gel or vaginal insert may lead to anaphylactoid syndrome of pregnancy (rare).
- Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC): Postpartum DIC has been reported following dinoprostone for labor induction. Risk may be increased in women ≥30 years of age, gestation age >40 weeks, or women with pregnancy complications.
Disease related concerns:
- Cardiovascular disease: Use caution in patients with cardiovascular disease; manufacturer labeling for some dosage forms (eg, suppository, tablet, vaginal gel) contraindicate use in active cardiovascular disease.
- Epilepsy: Use with caution in patients with epilepsy; Canadian labeling (depending on dosage form) either contraindicates use in patients with epilepsy or recommends avoiding use unless seizures are adequately controlled.
- Glaucoma: Use caution in patients with glaucoma.
- Hepatic impairment: Use caution in patients with hepatic impairment; manufacturer labeling for some dosage forms (eg, suppository, tablet, vaginal gel) contraindicate use in active hepatic disease.
- Pulmonary disease: Use caution in patients with a history of asthma; manufacturer labeling for some dosage forms (eg, suppository, tablet, vaginal gel) contraindicate use with active pulmonary disease.
- Renal impairment: Use caution in patients with renal impairment; manufacturer labeling for some dosage forms (eg, suppository, tablet, vaginal gel) contraindicate use in active renal disease.
Dosage form specific issues:
- Endocervical gel: Use caution with ruptured membranes.
- Suppository: When used for termination of pregnancy, dinoprostone is not considered feticidal, but is used to terminate pregnancy due to its ability to stimulate uterine contractions; do not use if fetus has reached the stage of viability. Transient pyrexia and decreased blood pressure may be observed with treatment. Use caution with history of hypotension or hypertension; cardiovascular disease; anemia; jaundice; diabetes; compromised uteri; cervicitis, endocervical infections or acute vaginitis. Measures should be taken to ensure complete abortion. Commercially available suppositories should not be used for extemporaneous preparation of any other dosage form of drug. Do not use for cervical ripening or other indications in patients with term pregnancy.
- Vaginal gel [Canadian product]: For intravaginal use only; not for intracervical use.
- Vaginal insert: Use caution with ruptured membranes; nonvertex or nonsingleton pregnancy or previous uterine hypertony. Must be removed prior to administration of oxytocin, in case of hyperstimulation or if labor begins, fetal distress, maternal distress (eg, hypotension, nausea, tachycardia, vomiting), and prior to amniotomy.
Special handling:
- Hazardous agent: Use appropriate precautions for handling and disposal (NIOSH 2014 [group 3]).
Other warnings/precautions:
- Experienced personnel: [U.S. Boxed Warning]: Dinoprostone should be used only by medically-trained personnel in a hospital.
C
Skeletal anomalies and embryotoxicity have been observed in animal reproduction studies. Although these effects would not be expected in humans when administered after the period of organogenesis, a sustained increase in uterine tone may have increased risks of adverse events to the fetus.
Fetal distress without corresponding maternal uterine hyperstimulation was observed in 3% to 4% of infants exposed to Cervidil in utero. No adverse effects on physical or psychomotor function were observed in a 3 year follow-up study of exposed infants. Abnormal fetal heart rates were observed in 17% of infants exposed to Prepidil gel in utero. Deceleration, intrauterine fetal sepsis, fetal depression and fetal acidosis have also been reported with administration of the endocervical gel. Still births, abnormal fetal heart rate and fetal distress have been reported with administration of Prostin E2 vaginal gel and oral tablets [Canadian product].
When used for termination of pregnancy, dinoprostone is not considered feticidal, but is used to terminate pregnancy due to its ability to stimulate uterine contractions; do not use if fetus has reached the stage of viability.
Dinoprostone (prostaglandin E2) is an endogenous hormone found in low concentrations in most tissues of the body. When administered as an abortifacient, it stimulates uterine contractions similar to those seen during natural labor. When administered for labor induction, it relaxes the smooth muscle of the cervix allowing dilation and passage of the fetus through the birth canal.
Vaginal suppository: Slow
Metabolized in the lungs; forms metabolites which are further metabolized in the liver and kidney
Primarily urine; feces (small amounts)
Uterine contractions: Vaginal suppository: Within 10 minutes
Endocervical gel: 30-45 minutes
Vaginal insert: 0.3 mg/hour over 12 hours; Vaginal suppository: Up to 2-3 hours
2.5-5 minutes
- Discuss specific use of drug and side effects with patient as it relates to treatment. (HCAHPS: During this hospital stay, were you given any medicine that you had not taken before? Before giving you any new medicine, how often did hospital staff tell you what the medicine was for? How often did hospital staff describe possible side effects in a way you could understand?)
- Have patient report immediately to prescriber severe dizziness, passing out, bruising, bleeding, severe nausea, vomiting, or severe abdominal pain (HCAHPS).
- Educate patient about signs of a significant reaction (eg, wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat). Note: This is not a comprehensive list of all side effects. Patient should consult prescriber for additional questions.
Intended Use and Disclaimer: Should not be printed and given to patients. This information is intended to serve as a concise initial reference for healthcare professionals to use when discussing medications with a patient. You must ultimately rely on your own discretion, experience and judgment in diagnosing, treating and advising patients.