Gemeprost


Generic Medicine Info
Indications and Dosage
Vaginal
Intrauterine fetal death
Adult: As pessary: 1 mg 3 hrly. Max 5 mg for 1 course.

Vaginal
Cervical ripening before surgical termination of pregnancy in the first trimester
Adult: As pessary: 1 mg 3 hr before surgery.

Vaginal
Pregnancy termination in the 2nd trimester
Adult: As pessary: 1 mg 3 hrly up to 5 mg per course. May give another course 24 hr after the beginning of 1st course, if necessary.
Contraindications
Uterine fragility related to uterine scarring (e.g. previous caesarean section or major uterine surgery), placenta praevia, unexplained vag bleeding, untreated pelvic infection.
Special Precautions
Patient w/ COPD, asthma, CV insufficiency, elevated intraocular pressure, cervicitis or vaginitis, cervical stenosis, multiparity and twin pregnancy. May induce spontaneous abortion. Not intended for induction of labour or cervical softening at term. Severe hepatic impairment.
Adverse Reactions
Significant: Uterine rupture, spontaneous abortion, vag bleeding and mild uterine pain.
Nervous: Headache, dizziness, weakness.
CV: Palpitations, severe hypotension, chest pain, tachycardia, flushing.
GI: Nausea, epigastric pain, vomiting, diarrhoea.
Resp: Dyspnoea, bronchoconstriction.
Genitourinary: Hypercontractility, hypertonus.
Musculoskeletal: Back pain.
Ophthalmologic: Blurred vision.
Others: Chills, mild fever.
Potentially Fatal: Serious CV accidents (e.g. MI, coronary artery spasm, severe hypotension, severe cardiogenic shock, vasospasm, stroke, ventricular standstill), uterine rupture during prolonged uterine hypotonia.
Monitoring Parameters
Monitor BP, pulse rate and bleeding occurrences.
Overdosage
Symptoms: Sedation, tremor, convulsion, dyspnoea, abdominal pain and bloody diarrhoea, palpitations and bradycardia. Management: Symptomatic and supportive treatment.
Drug Interactions
May potentiate effect of oxytocin and other labour inducers/accelerators.
Action
Description: Gemeprost is an alprostadil (prostaglandin E1) analogue. It softens and dilates the cervix and induce uterine contractions. It is believed that gemeprost mimics the process of cervical ripening initiated by prostaglandins during childbirth.
Onset: W/in 3 hr.
Pharmacokinetics:
Absorption: Bioavailability: 12-28%.
Excretion: Via urine (50% as metabolites).
Chemical Structure

Chemical Structure Image
Gemeprost

Source: National Center for Biotechnology Information. PubChem Database. Gemeprost, CID=5282237, https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Gemeprost (accessed on Jan. 22, 2020)

Storage
Store below -10°C.
MIMS Class
Drugs Acting on the Uterus
ATC Classification
G02AD03 - gemeprost ; Belongs to the class of prostaglandins. Used to induce abortion or augment labour and to minimize blood loss from the placental site.
References
Buckingham R (ed). Gemeprost. Martindale: The Complete Drug Reference [online]. London. Pharmaceutical Press. https://www.medicinescomplete.com. Accessed 31/05/2017.

Joint Formulary Committee. Gemeprost. British National Formulary [online]. London. BMJ Group and Pharmaceutical Press. https://www.medicinescomplete.com. Accessed 31/05/2017.

Disclaimer: This information is independently developed by MIMS based on Gemeprost from various references and is provided for your reference only. Therapeutic uses, prescribing information and product availability may vary between countries. Please refer to MIMS Product Monographs for specific and locally approved prescribing information. Although great effort has been made to ensure content accuracy, MIMS shall not be held responsible or liable for any claims or damages arising from the use or misuse of the information contained herein, its contents or omissions, or otherwise. Copyright © 2024 MIMS. All rights reserved. Powered by MIMS.com
Register or sign in to continue
Asia's one-stop resource for medical news, clinical reference and education
Already a member? Sign in
Register or sign in to continue
Asia's one-stop resource for medical news, clinical reference and education
Already a member? Sign in