Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsCervidil vs. Cytotec: UsesCervidil Pros & ConsCytotec Pros & ConsWhat to ExpectCervidil Side EffectsCytotec Side Effects
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Cervidil vs. Cytotec: Uses
Cervidil Pros & Cons
Cytotec Pros & Cons
What to Expect
Cervidil Side Effects
Cytotec Side Effects
Cervidil (dinoprostone) and Cytotec (misoprostol) are both prescription drugs belonging to the prostaglandins drug class.
Cytotec is used to prevent and treat nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)–inducedgastric ulcersin people at high risk.However, it is sometimes used off-label (non-FDA approved) for inducing labor and medicalabortion.
Cytotec also comes with an FDA warning to avoid its use in pregnant people unless it’s used for near or at-term labor or medical abortion withMifeprex (mifepristone).
This article will address the similarities and differences between Cervidil and Cytotec.
Getty Images /Anna Moneymaker/ Staff
Cervidil is used for inducing labor or continuing cervical ripening in pregnant people at or near term. It is used when a medical or obstetrical indication prevents the natural induction of labor.
The exact mechanism of action is unknown. However, it causes contractions in themyometrium(the muscular wall of the uterus) through direct stimulation.
It is also sometimes used off-label for a variety of indications in obstetrics and gynecology practice, such as:
Cytotec is used alone or in combination with mifepristone to end an early pregnancy.It must only be used under the supervision of a healthcare provider. Clinicians also prescribe Cytotec for the management of missed and incomplete medical abortions.
Cytotec must never be used to prevent ulcers in pregnant people or those planning to become pregnant. It can cause abortion, premature birth or birth defects, and uterine rupture.
Cervidil: Benefits and Disadvantages
Cervidil is an FDA-approved option for inducing labor. It is more expensive than Cytotec and takes longer to work with a slow induction process.
Cervidil mimics the naturalprostaglandinsyou have in the body that helps soften the cervix. It is available as a cervical gel or controlled-release vaginal insert.
It is released into the body over 12 hours because it takes a while to work. It will rest in the cervix, so it can be discontinued or removed if complications occur.
Cytotec: Benefits and Disadvantages
Cytotec is widely used off-label in the United States and other countries for cervical ripening and labor induction.
Multiple trials have proven that, when applied vaginally, Cytotec is an effective agent for cervical ripening and labor induction in term pregnancy.
The primary benefits of Cytotec include temperature stability at room temperature, long shelf life, lack of need for refrigeration, cost-effectiveness, and availability.
Other benefits include fast action, repeated administration, and quick absorption into the cervix to start contractions. The side effects are also mild, like cramping.
Although it is used widely, there are some drawbacks associated with Cytotec. These include severe side effects, like fetal distress, fluid stained withmeconium(newborn’s first stool), or evenuterine rupturein rare instances.
However, dosing may be complicated, as it requires dividing tablets into pieces. This can lead to imprecise dosing. It may create a normal labor pattern, or, conversely, it may cause too intense labor too quickly. Quick absorption may make removing the medicine difficult if required.
What to Expect With Cervidil vs. Cytotec
Cervidil comes as a vaginal insert and as a gel to insert into the vagina. A healthcare provider administers the drug using a syringe in a hospital or clinic.
Although not FDA-approved, Cytotec may also be administered sublingually (under the tongue), buccally (in the cheek), vaginally, or rectally (in the rectum) via either tablets or suppositories.
Cervidil: Safety and Side Effects
Cervidil is safe when used as prescribed under the supervision of a healthcare provider. However, some people may have some side effects.
Common side effects of Cervidil include:
Other side effects can be severe, requiring medical attention, and include:
It is essential to take precautionary measures before taking Cervidil. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following conditions:
Tell your healthcare provider if you are allergic to dinoprostone or any other drug.
Cytotec: Side Effects and Safety
Cytotec also causes some side effects, such as:
Sometimes, a severe side effect may need immediate medical attention:
Caution and safety measures are required when taking Cytotec if you are:
Cytotec comes with an FDA warning not to take it to prevent ulcers in pregnant people or people who plan to become pregnant. If you are a person of reproductive age, take Cytotec to prevent ulcers only if you have had a negative pregnancy test in the past two weeks and use a reliable method of birth control.
If you become pregnant while taking Cytotec, stop taking it and contact your healthcare provider immediately.
Summary
Cervidil and Cytotec are prostaglandins available for use in hospitals or clinics. Cytotec is FDA-approved for ulcer management but is also widely used in clinical settings to induce labor and treat other gynecologic conditions.
Cervidil and Cytotec are both effective but have some side effects.
The gynecologic use of Cytotec is not FDA-approved, although it is still used off-label. Cervidil, on the other hand, is FDA-approved to initiate cervical ripening and induce labor.
9 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.MedlinePlus.Dinoprostone.MedlinePlus.Misoprostol.Socha MW, Flis W, Wartęga M, et al.The efficacy of misoprostol vaginal inserts for induction of labor in women with very unfavorable cervices.J Clin Med. 2023;12(12):4106. doi:10.3390/jcm12124106DailyMed.Label: Cervidil- dinoprostone insert.Bakker R, Pierce S, Myers D.The role of prostaglandins E1 and E2, dinoprostone, and misoprostol in cervical ripening and the induction of labor: a mechanistic approach.Arch Gynecol Obstet.2017;296(2):167-179. doi:10.1007/s00404-017-4418-5DailyMed.Label: Cytotec- misoprostol tabletTurner J, Agatonovic-Kustrn S, Ward H.Off-label use of misoprostol in gynaecology.Facts Views Vis Obgyn.7(4):261-264.Pierce S, Bakker R, Myers DA, Edwards RK.Clinical insights for cervical ripening and labor induction using prostaglandins.AJP Rep.2018;8(4):e307-e314. doi:10.1055/s-0038-1675351Allen R, O’Brien BM.Uses of misoprostol in obstetrics and gynecology.Rev Obstet Gynecol.2009;2(3):159-168.
9 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.MedlinePlus.Dinoprostone.MedlinePlus.Misoprostol.Socha MW, Flis W, Wartęga M, et al.The efficacy of misoprostol vaginal inserts for induction of labor in women with very unfavorable cervices.J Clin Med. 2023;12(12):4106. doi:10.3390/jcm12124106DailyMed.Label: Cervidil- dinoprostone insert.Bakker R, Pierce S, Myers D.The role of prostaglandins E1 and E2, dinoprostone, and misoprostol in cervical ripening and the induction of labor: a mechanistic approach.Arch Gynecol Obstet.2017;296(2):167-179. doi:10.1007/s00404-017-4418-5DailyMed.Label: Cytotec- misoprostol tabletTurner J, Agatonovic-Kustrn S, Ward H.Off-label use of misoprostol in gynaecology.Facts Views Vis Obgyn.7(4):261-264.Pierce S, Bakker R, Myers DA, Edwards RK.Clinical insights for cervical ripening and labor induction using prostaglandins.AJP Rep.2018;8(4):e307-e314. doi:10.1055/s-0038-1675351Allen R, O’Brien BM.Uses of misoprostol in obstetrics and gynecology.Rev Obstet Gynecol.2009;2(3):159-168.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
MedlinePlus.Dinoprostone.MedlinePlus.Misoprostol.Socha MW, Flis W, Wartęga M, et al.The efficacy of misoprostol vaginal inserts for induction of labor in women with very unfavorable cervices.J Clin Med. 2023;12(12):4106. doi:10.3390/jcm12124106DailyMed.Label: Cervidil- dinoprostone insert.Bakker R, Pierce S, Myers D.The role of prostaglandins E1 and E2, dinoprostone, and misoprostol in cervical ripening and the induction of labor: a mechanistic approach.Arch Gynecol Obstet.2017;296(2):167-179. doi:10.1007/s00404-017-4418-5DailyMed.Label: Cytotec- misoprostol tabletTurner J, Agatonovic-Kustrn S, Ward H.Off-label use of misoprostol in gynaecology.Facts Views Vis Obgyn.7(4):261-264.Pierce S, Bakker R, Myers DA, Edwards RK.Clinical insights for cervical ripening and labor induction using prostaglandins.AJP Rep.2018;8(4):e307-e314. doi:10.1055/s-0038-1675351Allen R, O’Brien BM.Uses of misoprostol in obstetrics and gynecology.Rev Obstet Gynecol.2009;2(3):159-168.
MedlinePlus.Dinoprostone.
MedlinePlus.Misoprostol.
Socha MW, Flis W, Wartęga M, et al.The efficacy of misoprostol vaginal inserts for induction of labor in women with very unfavorable cervices.J Clin Med. 2023;12(12):4106. doi:10.3390/jcm12124106
DailyMed.Label: Cervidil- dinoprostone insert.
Bakker R, Pierce S, Myers D.The role of prostaglandins E1 and E2, dinoprostone, and misoprostol in cervical ripening and the induction of labor: a mechanistic approach.Arch Gynecol Obstet.2017;296(2):167-179. doi:10.1007/s00404-017-4418-5
DailyMed.Label: Cytotec- misoprostol tablet
Turner J, Agatonovic-Kustrn S, Ward H.Off-label use of misoprostol in gynaecology.Facts Views Vis Obgyn.7(4):261-264.
Pierce S, Bakker R, Myers DA, Edwards RK.Clinical insights for cervical ripening and labor induction using prostaglandins.AJP Rep.2018;8(4):e307-e314. doi:10.1055/s-0038-1675351
Allen R, O’Brien BM.Uses of misoprostol in obstetrics and gynecology.Rev Obstet Gynecol.2009;2(3):159-168.
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