What is Cervidil?
Dinoprostone is prostaglandin. It is a substance similar to hormones that is produced naturally by the tissues of the body. Cervidil can be used to relax the muscles in the cervix, which opens the uterus. This is done in order to induce labour at the end. This medication guide does not list all possible uses of Cervidil.
Side effects of Cervidil
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, or throat.
Inform your carers immediately if your contractions become irregular or slow, or if:
- Feeling lightheadedness as though they might pass out.
- Weak or shallow breathing
- Pain between contractions.
- Sudden vaginal bleeding;
- Unexpected stomach pain;
- Chest pain;
- Easy bruising and unusual bleeding
- A vein, a surgical incision, or a wound where an IV was inserted may be bleeding.
- Any bleeding that won't stop
Cervidil side effects that may occur include:
- More frequent contractions
- The slow heartbeats of the baby
- Nausea, stomach pain;
- Feeling of warmth in the vaginal region
- Backache
- Fever.
There may be other side effects. Call your physician if experiencing side effects; alternatively, the FDA can be reached at 1-800-FDA-1088 if reporting problems directly.
Similar/related drugs
Methotrexate, oxytocin, pitocin, Trexall, dinoprostone topical, dactinomycin, and prostin E2.
Warnings
Cervidil should not be used if you're allergic to prostaglandins or have active genital shingles with a lesion on the vaginal wall, if your placenta is previa, or if it has broken. Make sure that your doctor is aware of your complete pregnancy history. This includes any C-sections or major surgeries performed on your uterus.
Before you take this drug
This medicine should not be used if:
- Active genital herpes accompanied by a vaginal lession
- Placenta previa: the placenta lies below the foetus inside your uterus.
- If your water is broken,
Make sure that your doctor is aware of your complete pregnancy history.
- If you've ever had a C-section or major surgery on your uterus,
- If you've ever had a child born in the breech position (not with its head first),
- If you've ever experienced a difficult birth or delivery,
Inform your physician immediately of any of the following conditions:
- Liver or kidney disease
- Glaucoma;
- Asthma;
- If you are over 30,
- If your pregnancy has reached full term (40 weeks), you should consult a doctor.
Dinoprostone, when used as an inducer of labour, is not believed to harm the unborn child. Cervidil should not be taken with breast milk.
How to take Cervidil?
Dinoprostone, a gel or supppository, is applied directly to the cervix via the vagina with a special applicator. Cervidil is inserted by a healthcare provider at the right time to prepare your cervix. Dinoprostone will usually be administered while lying flat on your back. A vaginal scope may be used by your doctor to examine your cervix. Your doctor can then determine the dosage of this medication. If your doctor does not tell you otherwise, you will have to lie down for at least 15 minutes and up to two hours.
Dinoprostone will allow you to monitor your contractions as well as the heartbeat of your baby. Your doctor will check your cervix regularly to see how far it has dilated. Cervidil may cause contractions that are more frequent and last longer.
Dinoprostone may cause regular uterine contractions within a few minutes if your uterus reacts. Other medications may be prescribed to stimulate uterine contractions. Your doctor may administer a second dose if your uterus doesn't respond within six hours. The suppository of Cervidil is removed when you start labour or after 12 hours.
What happens if I miss the dose?
Dinoprostone does not require a daily dosage schedule because it is only used in clinical settings.
What happens if I overdose?
Cervidil will only be administered by healthcare professionals in a medical environment. An overdose is therefore unlikely.
What should be avoided?
If your doctor prescribes any restrictions regarding food, beverage, or activity, follow their instructions.
Interaction with other drug
Dinoprostone can be affected by other drugs, such as vitamins and herbal products. Inform your doctor of all the medicines you are currently taking and those that you will begin or stop using.
