INN monograph
Dinoprostone [Prostaglandin E2]
Therapeutic agent (verify pharmacological class) · POM
Verified · Updated 01 Aug 2026 · Source: Local active-ingredient clinical extract; Professional class pharmacology (Therapeutic agent (verify pharmacological class))
Kenya market
Wholesale / list prices where loaded
Risk first
Contraindications
- Allergic reaction to dinoprostone or related drugs
- history of asthma
- active pulmonary disease
- significant cephalopelvic disproportion
- malpresentation of fetus
- active pelvic inflammatory disease
- ruptured mem- branes.
Precautions
- Pregnancy termination can fail
- history of anaemia
- hypertension or hypotension
- cardiovascular disease
- diabetes mellitus
- renal disease
- pre-eclampsia
- uterine fibroids
- cervical stenosis
- uterine surgery
- epilepsy
- glaucoma
Point of care
Dosing
Adult
Vaginally. Insert high into posterior fornix 3mg followed by another 3mg 6-8hrs later incase the labour is not established [max. 6mg]
Paediatric
See label paediatric section if present; otherwise use paediatric formulary — do not extrapolate adult doses.
Renal
Review renal impairment dosing; many agents need CrCl/eGFR adjustment.
- CrCl 0–120: Confirm renal dosing in product SmPC / primary label.
Hepatic
Review hepatic impairment dosing; monitor LFTs if agent is hepatically cleared or hepatotoxic.
Safety
Drug interactions
- Professional use: confirm indication, dose, duration, monitoring and patient counselling points against current Kenya STG / EML and the product SmPC.
- Document allergy status and key interactions.
Safety
Adverse effects
- Anaphylaxis
- bronchoconstriction
- burning eyes
- endometritis
- second-degree heart block
- urinary retention
- bradycardia
- adynamic ileus
- peripheral vasoconstriction
- tachycardia
- and increased uterine bleeding or pain
- severe and continuing abdominal or stomach pain
- double vision
- hematuria
Use
Indications
- Induction of labour
- elective abor- tion [between 12-18 wks of gestation]
- treatment of incomplete abortion
- therapeutic abortion [e.g. in cases of intra-uterine fetal death and congenital abnormalities incompatible with life]
- cervical ripening
- treatment of postpartum haemorrhage
- treatment of benign hydatidiform mole
Pharmacology
Mode of action
It stimulates myometrial con- tractions in the gravid uterus.
Full mechanism text
It stimulates myometrial con- tractions in the gravid uterus. It also facilitates cervical dilatation and softening. In addition, it stimulates the smooth muscle of the gastrointesti- nal tract, arterioles, and bronchioles. For cervical ripening, it softens the cervix and facilitates cervical dilation and effacement. It also stimu- lates collagenase secretion hence reducing the collagen network within the cervix.
ADME
Pharmacokinetics & PD
| Onset | Product-specific |
|---|---|
| Duration | Product-specific |
| Route | See product SmPC |
| Elimination | are product-specific. Consider food effects, protein binding, hepatic CYP/UGT |
| Half-life | when adjusting for organ impairment, age and drug interactions. Verify parameters in the current SmPC. |
Full PK/PD text
Absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion are product-specific. Consider food effects, protein binding, hepatic CYP/UGT metabolism, renal clearance and half-life when adjusting for organ impairment, age and drug interactions. Verify parameters in the current SmPC.
Kenya
Brands & prices
| Brand | Company | Pack | KES |
|---|---|---|---|
| Glandin -E2 Vaginal Tablets | Nabiqasim Industries (Pvt) Ltd | Standard Commercial Pack | — |
| Glandin -E2 Vaginal Tablets | Nabiqasim Industries (Pvt) Ltd | Standard Commercial Pack | — |
| Prostin.E2 | Pfizer Global Pharmaceuticals | Standard Commercial Pack | — |
Special populations
Pregnancy & lactation
Pregnancy
Use only if potential benefit justifies potential risk; prefer agents with better reproductive data when alternatives exist.
Lactation
Assess infant risk vs benefit of maternal therapy; prefer agents with lactation data.
Diet
Food & alcohol
- Food
- Food
Trust
Sources & disclaimer
Source: Local active-ingredient clinical extract; Professional class pharmacology (Therapeutic agent (verify pharmacological class))
Last reviewed: 01 Aug 2026
Decision support only — not a substitute for clinical judgment, product SmPC, or Kenya STG/EML.