GEMEPROST

Gemeprost is a drug that belongs to a class of medicines known as alprostadil (prostaglandin E1) analogues. It softens and dilates the cervix and induces uterine contractions. It promotes cervical ripening during childbirth.

Uses

Gemeprost is used in cervical ripening before surgical termination of pregnancy or in fetal death in utero.

Warnings

Gemeprost should not be given to women with the following conditions:

Uterine fragility related to uterine scarring (e.g. previous caesarean section or major uterine surgery)
Placenta praevia
Unexplained vaginal bleeding
Untreated pelvic infection

Side Effects

Gemeprost may give rise to the following side effects:

Uterine rupture
Spontaneous abortion
Vaginal bleeding
Mild uterine pain
Headache
Dizziness
Weakness
Palpitations
Severe hypotension
Chest pain
Tachycardia
Flushing
Nausea
Epigastric pain
Vomiting
Diarrhoea
Dyspnoea
Bronchoconstriction
Hypercontractility
Hypertonus
Back pain
Blurred vision
Chills
Mild fever
Serious cardiovascular accidents (e.g. MI, coronary artery spasm, severe hypotension, severe cardiogenic shock, vasospasm, stroke, ventricular standstill)
Uterine rupture during prolonged uterine hypotonia

Precautions

Precautions

Extra precaution should be given in the following conditions:

COPD
Asthma
CV insufficiency
Elevated intraocular pressure
Cervicitis or vaginitis
Cervical stenosis
Multiparity
Twin pregnancy
Spontaneous abortion
Severe liver problem

Interactions

Gemeprost may interact with oxytocin and other labor inducers/accelerator drugs.

Overdose & Brands

Symptoms of overdose include the following:

Sedation
Tremor
Convulsion
Dyspnoea
Abdominal pain and bloody diarrhea
Palpitations and bradycardia

Seek medical treatment immediately.

Available Brands:

Cergem
Cervagem
Cervidil