Dinoprostone
Dinoprostone is a prostaglandin E2 medication primarily used to ripen the cervix and induce labor in pregnant women. It is commonly administered vaginally or cervically in hospital settings when pregnancy termination, labor induction, or cervical preparation is medically necessary.
Dinoprostone is a prostaglandin medication used to soften and dilate the cervix for labor induction or pregnancy termination.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- G02AD02
- RxNorm
- 3478
- Generic
- Dinoprostone
- Class
- atc-g02
- Brands
- Prepidil, Cervidil
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- vaginal, oral
- Forms
- gel, tablet, solution
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Used for cervical ripening before labor induction, induction of labor at term, termination of pregnancy, and management of missed abortion or intrauterine fetal demise. Also used for postpartum hemorrhage control.
Dinoprostone acts on prostaglandin receptors in the cervix and uterus. It promotes cervical softening, dilation, and increased sensitivity of the uterine muscle to oxytocin, facilitating the onset of contractions and labor progression.
Should only be used in hospital settings with immediate access to obstetric care. Contraindicated in patients with asthma, glaucoma, or previous uterine surgery. May cause uterine hyperstimulation and should not be used concurrently with oxytocin. Must be removed if uterine hypertonicity or fetal distress occurs.
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 25, 2026. · Read our editorial policy