International reference: 6 US FDA recalls for this ingredient
Lack of Assurance of Sterility (prostaglandin)
Lack of Sterility Assurance: All lots of sterile products compounded by the pharmacy that are not expired due to concerns associated with quality control procedures that present a potential risk to sterility assurance that were observed during a recent FDA inspection. (prostaglandin)
Lack of Assurance of Sterility: Practices at firm may call into question the sterility of products intended to be sterile. (prostaglandin)
Lack of Assurance of Sterility. (prostaglandin)
Lack of assurance of sterility: This recall includes of all unexpired lots medications containing Calcium Gluconate, Papaverine, Phentolamine, and /or Prostaglandin) due to unsubstantiated validation of beyond use dating. (prostaglandin)
Lack of assurance of sterility: This recall includes of all unexpired lots medications containing Calcium Gluconate, Papaverine, Phentolamine, and /or Prostaglandin) due to unsubstantiated validation of beyond use dating. (prostaglandin)
US-market enforcement records (OpenFDA), shown for reference - not specific to this product in Kenya.
NOROPROST INJECTION
PROSTAGLANDIN (DINOPROST)
What it does
Prostaglandins are substances in the body that help manage various functions, including inflammation and blood flow.
Commonly used for: inducing labor (labor induction), treating stomach ulcers, reducing eye pressure in glaucoma
Read more in plain English ↓Plain-language summary for general understanding - not medical advice. Always follow your pharmacist/doctor.
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Source: Pharmacy and Poisons Board · fetched 2026-01-28 21:58:35 · updated 2026-03-23 04:43:42
About this medicine
Prostaglandins are substances in the body that help manage various functions, including inflammation and blood flow.
What it treats
- inducing labor (labor induction)
- treating stomach ulcers
- reducing eye pressure in glaucoma
How it works
Prostaglandins work by causing changes in blood vessel size and promoting contractions in the uterus.
Who it's for
This medication may be used for pregnant women needing help with labor or patients with certain stomach and eye conditions.
AI-assisted summary grounded in BNF data - general information only, not medical advice. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.
Clinical monograph: prostaglandin
Prostaglandins are a group of bioactive lipids that play critical roles in various physiological processes including inflammation, smooth muscle contraction, and regulation of blood flow. They are derived from arachidonic acid and have diverse effects depending on the specific receptor subtype they activate. Prostaglandins are used therapeutically in a variety of clinical settings, including obstetrics and gynecology, cardiology, and gastroenterology.
Indications
- Induction of labor
- Management of gastric ulcers
- Treatment of erectile dysfunction
- Medical abortion
- Closure of patent ductus arteriosus in neonates
Dosage
Children: Refer to BNF
Adults: Refer to specific BNF guidelines for dosing, as it varies based on the clinical indication and prostaglandin used.
Mechanism of action
Prostaglandins exert their effects by binding to specific G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) on target cells. This binding activates intracellular signaling pathways that can lead to various physiological responses such as vasodilation or vasoconstriction, modulation of immune responses, and induction of labor. Depending on their structure, different prostaglandins can have opposing effects on smooth muscle tone and vascular dynamics.
Pharmacodynamics
Prostaglandins influence a wide range of physiological functions. They can cause vasodilation or vasoconstriction, modulate platelet aggregation, induce labor by causing uterine contractions, and mediate inflammatory responses. The specific response depends on the type of prostaglandin, the receptor subtype activated, and the tissue in which they act. For example, prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) is known for its vasodilatory effects, while prostaglandin F2alpha (PGF2α) promotes uterine contractions.
Pharmacokinetics
Prostaglandins are rapidly metabolized in the body, primarily in the lungs and liver, leading to a short half-life. Their pharmacokinetics can vary based on the specific prostaglandin, route of administration, and formulation. When administered, they can be given via intravenous, intramuscular, or topical routes, each influencing their absorption and bioavailability. The onset of action can be rapid, often within minutes to hours, depending on the route and specific prostaglandin used.
Contra-indications
- Hypersensitivity to prostaglandins
- Active peptic ulcer disease
- Intrauterine infection
- Severe asthma (in some formulations)
Adverse effects
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Headache
- Flushing
- Fever
- Dizziness
- Uterine hypertonicity
Interactions
- May enhance the effects of other uterotonics
- Caution when used with anticoagulants due to bleeding risk
Precautions
- Use with caution in patients with history of cardiovascular disease
- Monitor for signs of uterine hyperstimulation
- Assess renal function before use
Pregnancy
Prostaglandins are used to induce labor and can cause uterine contractions, but they should only be used under medical supervision in pregnant women.
Breast-feeding
No data on excretion in human milk, caution is advised.
Storage
Store at 2 to 8 degrees Celsius, protect from light, and do not freeze.
Formulations
- Intravenous solution
- Intramuscular injection
- Topical gel
- Ocular solution
- Vaginal insert
AI-synthesized from BNF references - general information only, not a substitute for professional medical advice or the current BNF. Verify doses with a pharmacist.