Dinoprostone

Brand Names: Prepidil

Drug Class: Prostaglandin Analog

Overview

DESCRIPTION PREPIDIL Gel contains dinoprostone as the naturally occurring form of prostaglandin E 2 (PGE 2 ) and is designated chemically as (5Z, 11a, 13E, 15S)-11,15-Dihydroxy-9-oxo-prosta-5,13-dien-1-oic acid. The molecular formula is C 20 H 32 O 5 and the molecular weight is 352.5.

Mechanism of Action

CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY PREPIDIL Gel (dinoprostone) administered endocervically may stimulate the myometrium of the gravid uterus to contract in a manner similar to contractions seen in the term uterus during labor. Whether or not this action results from a direct effect of dinoprostone on the myometrium has not been determined. Dinoprostone is also capable of stimulating smooth muscle of the gastrointestinal tract in humans. This activity may be responsible for the vomiting and/or diarrhea that is occasionally seen when dinoprostone is used for preinduction cervical ripening. In laboratory animals, and also in humans, large doses of dinoprostone can lower blood pressure, probably as a result of its effect on smooth muscle of the vascular system.

Indications

  • INDICATIONS AND USAGE PREPIDIL Gel is indicated for ripening an unfavorable cervix in pregnant women at or near term with a medical or obstetrical need for labor induction.

Common Doses

  • 0.5 mg
  • 1.5 mg
  • 7.5 mL

Dosage

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION NOTE: USE CAUTION IN HANDLING THIS PRODUCT TO PREVENT CONTACT WITH SKIN. WASH HANDS THOROUGHLY WITH SOAP AND WATER AFTER ADMINISTRATION. PREPIDIL Gel should be brought to room temperature (59° to 86°F; 15° to 30°C) just prior to administration. Do not force the warming process by using a water bath or other source of external heat (eg, microwave oven). To prepare the product for use remove the protective end cap (to serve as plunger extension) and insert the protective end cap into the plunger stopper assembly in the barrel of syringe.

Contraindications

  • CONTRAINDICATIONS Endocervically administered PREPIDIL Gel is not recommended for the following: a. Patients in whom oxytocic drugs are generally contraindicated or where prolonged contractions of the uterus are considered inappropriate, such as: • cases with a history of cesarean section or major uterine surgery • cases in which cephalopelvic disproportion is present • cases in which there is a history of difficult labor and/or traumatic delivery • grand multiparae with six or more previous term pregnancies cases with non-vertex presentation • cases with hyperactive or hypertonic uterine...

Side Effects

  • ADVERSE REACTIONS PREPIDIL Gel is generally well-tolerated. In controlled trials, in which 1731 women were entered, the following events were reported at an occurrence of ≥ 1%: Adverse Reaction PGE 2 (N = 884) Control placebo gel or no treatment (N = 847) Maternal N (%) N (%) Uterine contractile abnormality 58 (6.6) 34 (4.0) Any gastrointestinal effect 50 (5.7) 22 (2.6) Back pain 27 (3.1) 0 (0) Warm feeling in vagina 13 (1.5) 0 (0) Fever 12 (1.4) 10 (1.2) Fetal Any fetal heart rate abnormality 150 (17.0) 123 (14.5) Bradycardia 36 (4.1) 26 (3.1) Deceleration Late 25 (2.8) 18 (2.

Interactions

  • 3. Drug Interactions PREPIDIL Gel may augment the activity of other oxytocic agents and their concomitant use is not recommended. For the sequential use of oxytocin following PREPIDIL Gel administration, a dosing interval of 6–12 hours is recommended.