Dinoprostone Flashcards

Dinoprostone Overview

• Classified as a cervical ripening agent, facilitating labor by softening the cervix.
• Administered via insertion into the vagina.

Trade and Dosage

• Marketed under the trade name Cervidil.
• Standard dosage is 10 mg.

Contraindications

• Must not be used in patients with:
  • History of previous cesarean section.
  • Presence of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID).
  • Ruptured membranes.
  • Concurrent usage of oxytocin.

Common Side Effects

• Potential side effects include:
  • Contractions resembling menstrual cramps.
  • Tachysystole (more than five contractions in ten minutes).
  • Hypotension and gastrointestinal disturbances (nausea/vomiting, diarrhea).
  • Severe risk: Uterine rupture.

Evaluation and Monitoring

• Post-administration, monitor:
  • Frequency, duration, and intensity of contractions.
  • Uterine resting tone.
  • Fetal status, cervical dilation, and effacement.

Timing for Removal

• The insert should be removed:
  • At the onset of active labor, indicated by cervical dilation of 6-8 cm.

Patient Education

• Educate patients about possible sensations:
  • Warm feeling in the vagina during administration.

Duration of Action

• The effect of Dinoprostone lasts approximately 12 hours.

Drug Interactions

• Dinoprostone augments the effects of other oxytocics, necessitating careful monitoring.

Assessment Protocol

• Conduct comprehensive assessments regarding:
  • Contraction frequency, duration, and force.
  • Uterine resting tone.
  • Monitoring vital signs, including temperature, pulse, and blood pressure.
  • Continuous observation of fetal status and uterine activity.

Timing of Oxytocin Use

• Oxytocin should not be administered within 30 minutes following the removal of the insert.

Post-Insertion Positioning

• Patients advised to remain in a supine position for 15-30 minutes after insertion.