Cervidil
(dinoprostone)
Get free couponsMisoprostol
(Cytotec)
Get free couponsSummary for Cervidil
Cervidil (dinoprostone) is a small vaginal insert used during pregnancy to help induce (start) labor. The insert is placed in the vagina by your labor and delivery team in the hospital. It works by slowly releasing medication to soften your cervix, which helps prepare your body to give birth. Common side effects include more frequent or longer contractions.
Indications for Cervidil
Pros and Cons for Cervidil
Pros
- Designed to prepare the cervix for labor in a controlled manner
- Can speed up labor and delivery by several hours
- Only inserted once per delivery for it to work
Cons
- Must be given at a hospital by the labor and delivery team
- Can cause a drop in the baby's heart rate
- Not safe if you’ve had any uterine surgery before, including a C-section
Common Side Effects for Cervidil
- Very frequent contractions without signs of stress in the baby (2-5%)
- Signs of stress in the baby without very frequent contractions (3-4%)
- Very frequent contractions with signs of stress in the baby (3%)
Warnings for Cervidil
- Blood-clotting problem
- Amniotic fluid embolism syndrome
- Frequent or very strong contractions
- Glaucoma
Summary for Misoprostol
Misoprostol (Cytotec) is a prescription medication that's FDA approved to lower the risk of stomach ulcers in certain people who take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen. It's also sometimes used off-label for a medical abortion or to induce labor during pregnancy. You usually take it by mouth, and the dose depends on what you’re using it for. Common side effects include diarrhea and stomach pain.
Indications for Misoprostol
- Reduce the risk of stomach ulcers caused by NSAIDs - FDA-approved
- Medical abortion - Off-label
- Labor induction - Off-label
Pros and Cons for Misoprostol
Pros
- FDA approved to lower the risk of stomach ulcers
- Proven safe and effective when used for medical abortions or labor induction
- Works within minutes to hours
Cons
- Can cause diarrhea and cramping
- Needs to be taken four times a day with food if used for ulcer prevention
- Must be taken at specific time intervals if taken for medical abortion
Common Side Effects for Misoprostol
- Diarrhea (14-40%)
- Stomach pain (13-20%)
Warnings for Misoprostol
- Harm to unborn baby if used for stomach ulcer prevention
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