[Durgical](https://durgical.com/en/) › [DurgiPedia](https://durgical.com/en/durgipedia/) › [Pharmacology](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/) › Prostaglandin analogues (obstetric use)

[Pharmacology](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/) · Class

# Prostaglandin analogues (obstetric use)

Synthetic prostaglandins that contract the uterus and soften the cervix: used for bleeding after birth, induction of labour and pregnancy loss.

Updated 2026-11-01

## What they are

Analogues of prostaglandin E1 (misoprostol), E2 (dinoprostone) and F2α (carboprost). They act on prostanoid receptors of the myometrium and cervix. Misoprostol is a heat-stable tablet on the WHO essential list; carboprost is an injection for haemorrhage that does not respond to first-line drugs.

## Mechanism of action

They bind prostanoid G protein-coupled receptors: EP receptors (prostaglandin E) and the FP receptor (prostaglandin F2α). In the myometrium they raise intracellular calcium and cause contractions; in the cervix they break down collagen and soften it. They also contract smooth muscle in the gut and bronchi, which explains diarrhoea, vomiting and bronchospasm.

Target: Prostanoid receptors (EP and FP)

## Key points

- Misoprostol (PGE1): heat-stable tablet; for postpartum haemorrhage only when oxytocin is not available or cannot be used safely.
- Carboprost (15-methyl PGF2α): deep IM injection; avoided in asthma because it causes bronchospasm.
- Common effects: diarrhoea, vomiting, fever and shivering.
- Risk of uterine rupture, higher with a previous caesarean scar.
- They add to oxytocin's effect on the uterus.

## Drugs in this class

- [**Misoprostol** Prostaglandin E1 analogue tablet that contracts the uterus and softens the cervix, and protects the stomach… Prostaglandin E receptor EP3 (and other EP receptors)](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/misoprostol/)
- [**Carboprost** Injectable prostaglandin F2α analogue that contracts the uterus when bleeding after birth does not respond to… Prostaglandin F2α receptor (FP)](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/carboprost/)

## Others in the class

- Dinoprostone
- Dinoprost
- Gemeprost
- Sulprostone

## Test yourself

Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it.

## Which prostaglandin analogue is contraindicated or used with great caution in asthma, and why?

Carboprost (a PGF2α analogue): it contracts bronchial smooth muscle and can cause bronchospasm.

## What does WHO list misoprostol for in postpartum haemorrhage?

Prevention and treatment where oxytocin is not available or cannot be used safely; it needs no cold chain.

## Why do prostaglandin analogues cause diarrhoea?

They also contract the smooth muscle of the gut and increase intestinal secretion.

[Add to my cards (3)](https://durgical.app/estudiar/?add=/en/pharmacology/classes/prostaglandin-analogues/)

[← All of pharmacology](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/)

Educational content on how drugs work; not a prescribing guide and no substitute for a health professional's advice. No doses are given.

Sources: [DailyMed - MISOPROSTOL tablet](https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=a46d05a2-5014-40ff-8f1b-9eca1b0aff3a) (DailyMed (U.S. National Library of Medicine), 2026); [DailyMed - CARBOPROST TROMETHAMINE- carboprost tromethamine injection, solution](https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=ce9f0ea6-69f9-6b68-2811-3b51e34acea6) (DailyMed (U.S. National Library of Medicine), 2026); [eEML - Electronic Essential Medicines List](https://list.essentialmeds.org/recommendations/908) (World Health Organization, 2025); [ATCDDD - ATC/DDD Index](https://atcddd.fhi.no/atc_ddd_index/?code=G02AD) (WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology, 2026).

## **Spotted a mistake?** We are always improving for the community. Tell us what is wrong and our team will review it. Report a mistake

Representative model, for educational purposes only.

---
Source: https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/prostaglandin-analogues/
License: CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Cite as: DurgiPedia (durgical.com), https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/prostaglandin-analogues/