Preparation of prostaglandin E2 vaginal gel for preinduction ripening of the cervix.

Low dose prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) vaginal gel has been shown to be an effective method for preinduction ripening of the cervix. A method for preparation of this gel from commercially available reagents is described. A twenty milligram PGE2 vaginal suppository ( Prostin , Upjohn) is added to 100 cc's of hydroxyethyl cellulose gel (K-Y Jelly, Johnson and Johnson), heated to 85 degrees C. Samples of this preparation were stored at a 4 degrees Centigrade (C) or 28 degrees C for one, six, or twenty-four hours. After storage, analysis by radioimmunoassay demonstrated there was no appreciable decrease in concentration of PGE2. A clinical useful prostaglandin E2 vaginal gel may be prepared from commercially available reagents under the conditions described.