Dinoprostone
Prepidil (dinoprostone) is a prostaglandin E2 medication primarily used in obstetrics for cervical ripening before labor induction. It works by softening, thinning, and dilating the cervix to facilitate the induction of labor in term pregnancies when medically necessary.
Prepidil is a cervical ripening agent used to prepare the cervix for labor induction in pregnant women at or near term.
Key facts at a glance
- RxNorm
- 152247
- Generic
- Prepidil
- Class
- brand-name
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- —
- 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.
Cervical ripening in pregnant women at term when labor induction is medically indicated, including post-term pregnancies, gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, maternal diabetes, or other conditions requiring delivery.
As a prostaglandin E2 analog, it promotes cervical ripening by relaxing smooth muscle, increasing collagen breakdown, and increasing water content in cervical tissue, resulting in softening, effacement, and dilation.
Should only be administered by healthcare professionals in a clinical setting with continuous fetal monitoring. Contraindicated in patients with asthma, glaucoma, or history of uterine surgery. Common side effects include uterine contractions, nausea, and fever. Multiple doses or additional oxytocin may be needed if labor does not begin within the prescribed timeframe.
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 9, 2026. · Read our editorial policy