Cervidil

Generic Name: dinoprostone topical (DYE no PROS tone TOP ik al)

Brand Names: Cervidil, Prepidil, Prostin E2

What is Cervidil (dinoprostone topical)?

Dinoprostone is a prostaglandin, a hormone-like substance that is naturally produced by tissues in the body.

Dinoprostone topical is used in a pregnant woman to relax the muscles of the cervix (opening of the uterus) in preparation for inducing labor at the end of a pregnancy.

Dinoprostone topical may be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about Cervidil (dinoprostone topical)?

You should not be treated with this medication if you are allergic to prostaglandins, or if you have active genital herpes with a vaginal lesion, placenta previa, or if your water has broken.

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 ever had a baby born in a breech position, or if you have ever had a difficult labor or delivery of a previous child.

Also tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease, glaucoma, a history of asthma, if you are 30 years or older, or if your pregnancy is at full term (40 weeks).

After you have received dinoprostone topical, tell your caregivers at once if your contractions slow down or become uneven, or if you have a fever, sudden vaginal bleeding, cough, wheezing, chest tightness, trouble breathing, pale skin, or blue colored lips. After your baby is born, seek emergency medical attention if you have any signs of excessive bleeding, including weakness or fainting, unusual bruising, bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood, sudden weakness or numbness, sudden severe headache, or sudden problems with vision, speech, or balance.

What should I discuss with my health care provider before receiving Cervidil (dinoprostone topical)?

You should not be treated with this medication if you are allergic to prostaglandins, or if you have:

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  active genital herpes with a vaginal lesion;

  
  


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  placenta previa (the placenta is below the fetus in your uterus); or

  
  


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  if your water has broken.

  
  

Be sure your doctor knows your entire pregnancy history, especially:

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  if you have ever had a C-section or major surgery on your uterus;

  
  


• 
  

  if you have ever had a baby born in a breech position (not head-first); or

  
  


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  if you have ever had a difficult labor or delivery of a previous child.

  
  

To make sure you can safely use dinoprostone topical, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:

• kidney disease;


• liver disease;


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  glaucoma;

  
  


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  a history of asthma;

  
  


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  if you are 30 years or older; or

  
  


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  if your pregnancy is at full term (40 weeks).

  
  

How is dinoprostone topical given?

Dinoprostone is a gel that is placed directly onto the cervix through the vagina using a special applicator. Your doctor, nurse, or other healthcare professional will give you this medication.

Dinoprostone is usually given while you are lying on your back. Your doctor may use a vaginal speculum to view your cervix. This will help your doctor determine how much of this medication to use.

After you are given this medication, you will need to remain lying down for at least 15 minutes unless your doctor tells you otherwise.

If your uterus does not respond to dinoprostone within 6 hours, your doctor may apply a second dose.

If your uterus responds to the medication, you may begin having regular uterine contractions within a few hours. You may also be given other medications to help stimulate your uterine contractions and make them more regular.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since dinoprostone topical is given by a healthcare professional, you are not likely to miss a dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Tell your caregivers right away if you think you have received too much of this medicine.

Overdose symptoms may include increased contractions or more intense labor pains.

What should I avoid after receiving Cervidil (dinoprostone topical)?

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

Cervidil (dinoprostone topical) side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Tell your caregivers at once if your contractions slow down or become uneven, or if you have:

• 
  

  fever;

  
  


• 
  

  sudden vaginal bleeding;

  
  


• 
  

  cough, wheezing, chest tightness, trouble breathing; or

  
  


• 
  

  pale skin, blue colored lips.

  
  

After your baby is born, seek emergency medical attention if you have any signs of excessive bleeding, such as:

• 
  

  weakness or fainting;

  
  


• 
  

  unusual bleeding from your nose, mouth, vagina, or rectum;

  
  


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  bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;

  
  


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  sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body;

  
  


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  sudden severe headache, confusion, problems with vision, speech, or balance;

  
  


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  unusual bruising, purple or red pinpoint spots under your skin;

  
  


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  bleeding from a wound, surgical incision, or vein where an IV was placed;

  
  


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  any bleeding that will not stop.

  
  

Less serious side effects may include:

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  nausea, stomach pain;

  
  


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  back pain; or

  
  


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  feeling of warmth in the vaginal area.

  
  

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect Cervidil (dinoprostone topical)?

There may be other drugs that can interact with dinoprostone topical. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

More Cervidil resources

• Cervidil Side Effects (in more detail)
• Cervidil Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
• Cervidil Drug Interactions
• Cervidil Support Group
• 2 Reviews for Cervidil - Add your own review/rating

• Cervidil Prescribing Information (FDA)


• Cervidil Inserts MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)


• Cervidil Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information


• Prepidil Gel MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)


• Prepidil Prescribing Information (FDA)


• Prostin E2 Prescribing Information (FDA)

Compare Cervidil with other medications

• Abortion
• Labor Induction
• Trophoblastic Disease

Where can I get more information?

• Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about dinoprostone topical

See also: Cervidil side effects (in more detail)