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misoprostol and cervical ripening
Misoprostol is a prostaglandin E1 analogue that binds to prostaglandin receptors on the cervix to promote softening, dilation, and ripening in preparation for labor or delivery.
Misoprostol is a prostaglandin E1 analogue that binds to prostaglandin receptors on the cervix to promote softening, dilation, and ripening in preparation for labor or delivery. Used for Cervical ripening prior to labor induction, Labor induction in term pregnancy.
At a glance
| Generic name | misoprostol and cervical ripening |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | Ullevaal University Hospital |
| Drug class | Prostaglandin E1 analogue |
| Target | Prostaglandin E receptor (EP1, EP3) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Obstetrics/Gynecology |
| Phase | Phase 3 |
Mechanism of action
Misoprostol acts as a synthetic prostaglandin that stimulates uterine contractions and cervical remodeling by activating EP1 and EP3 prostaglandin receptors. This leads to increased collagen degradation, increased water content in cervical tissue, and enhanced cervical compliance. The result is cervical softening and dilation, making it useful for labor induction and cervical ripening prior to delivery.
Approved indications
- Cervical ripening prior to labor induction
- Labor induction in term pregnancy
Common side effects
- Uterine hyperstimulation
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea
- Fever
Key clinical trials
- Oxytocin vs Prostaglandins for Labor Induction of Women With an Unfavorable Cervix After 24h of Cervical Ripening (PHASE3)
- Interest of Cervical Dilators in Second Trimester Termination of Pregnancy (NA)
- Cervical Ripening With Misoprostol vs Isosorbide Mononitrate ; A Parallel -Arm Randomized Controlled Trial (NA)
- IntraCERvical Balloon Catheter in the Setting of Induction of Labor for Fetal Loss or Abortion (NA)
- Sequential Use of Foley's Catheter and Misoprostol Versus Misoprostol Alone for Induction of Labour: a Multicentre Randomised Controlled Trial (PHASE4)
- Elective Induction of Nulliparous Labor (NA)
- Significance of Misoprostol-induced Cervical Ripening Prior to Hysteroscopy (NA)
- Outpatient Cervical Ripening
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
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- misoprostol and cervical ripening CI brief — competitive landscape report
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