Dinoprostone
About Dinoprostone
Dinoprostone belongs to the class of medication called 'oxytocic' or 'uterotonic', primarily used for the initiation or improvement of uterine contraction (antepartum) and producing uterine contraction during the third stage of labour (postpartum). Labour induction stimulates uterine (womb) contractions during pregnancy before labour pain begins to achieve a vaginal birth. It is recommended by the doctor for labour induction for various reasons, especially when there is a concern for a mother's health or a baby's health.
Dinoprostone contains a prostaglandin Dinoprostone that stimulates uterine muscles and increases the uterus' contractions. It works by increasing the production of a natural substance called prostaglandins (PGs) that softens and widens the cervix (opening of the womb) so that the baby comes out easily. Also, it increases uterus contractions and hence induces labour. As a result, these increased uterine contractions help deliver the child.
Dinoprostone is not intended for self-application as it is typically used in hospital settings under the supervision of medical healthcare professionals. After taking the medication, you may be asked to lie down for at least 30 minutes. You may experience certain common side effects such as back pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, flushing of the skin, and fetal distress in some cases. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if you experience these side effects persistently.
Do not use Dinoprostone if you are allergic to Dinoprostone or its ingredients. Be sure your doctor knows your entire pregnancy history, especially if you have ever had a C-section or major surgery on your uterus, if you have had a baby born in a breech position, or if you have had a difficult labour or delivery of a previous child. Also, mention all the other medications you are taking that affect how Dinoprostone works. A Dinoprostone should not be used for a prolonged time if the contractions do not increase or have severe pre-eclamptic toxaemia (high blood pressure, protein in the urine, and swelling) or blood or heart circulation problems. A professional should always administer Dinoprostone at a hospital and not practice self-administration.
Uses of Dinoprostone
Medicinal Benefits
Dinoprostone contains a prostaglandin 'Dinoprostone' primarily used in inducing labour. It plays a major role in childbirth as it softens and widens the cervix (opening of the womb) so that the baby comes out easily. Also, it increases prostaglandin production, which further increases uterus contractions and hence induces labour. As a result, these increased uterine contractions help deliver the child.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Dinoprostone
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Back pain
- Fetal distress
- Flushing of the skin
Drug Warnings
Do not take Dinoprostone if you are allergic to Dinoprostone or its ingredients. Be sure your doctor knows your entire pregnancy history, especially if you have ever had a C-section or major surgery on your uterus, if you have had a baby born in a breech position, or if you have had a difficult labour or delivery of a previous child. Increasing the dose of Dinoprostone can be harmful if your womb already has too strong contractions, any obstructions in the pathway that might prevent the delivery or if the baby is not receiving a sufficient oxygen supply. Also, the use of Dinoprostone is not advisable if the baby is wrongly positioned in the birth canal, the baby’s head is too large to fit through the pelvis, the placenta lies near the neck of the womb, the placenta separates from the womb before birth, the womb is over-extended and likely to tear (in case you are carrying more than one baby). A Dinoprostone should not be used for a prolonged time if the contractions do not increase or have severe pre-eclamptic toxaemia (high blood pressure, protein in the urine, and swelling) or blood or heart circulation problems. A professional should always administer Dinoprostone at a hospital and not practice self-administration.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Dinoprostone is known to interact with other oxytocic medicines (oxytocin, methylergonovine, ergonovine, carbetocin).
Drug-Food Interaction: Dinoprostone is known to interact with alcohol. So, do not consume alcohol while using Dinoprostone.
Drug-Disease Interaction: Dinoprostone should not be given to the patients with previous cesarean section, heart, lung, kidney or liver disease, glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye), epilepsy, genital herpes, suffered from asthma, hypertension (high blood pressure), if you are more than 40 weeks pregnant or are more than 35 years, the pelvis is too small for normal delivery.
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
- Long walks can help relieve stress, keep your body strong, and help with easy delivery.
- Please take a little bit of Castrol oil. It stimulates prostaglandin, which ripens the cervix and initiates labour.
- For some foods like dates, raspberry tea leaves are known to ripen the cervix and get labour started.
- Acupressure also stimulates labour and helps in delivery.
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.
