EVALUATION OF THE USE OF MISOPROSTOL (METHYL-11 α,16-DIHYDROXY-16-METHYL, 9-OXOPROST-13 E-en-1-oate) ORALLY AND VAGINALLY IN ACCELERATION OF LABOR IN PRIMIGRAVIDAE

Abstract

Prostaglandins of the E series produce strong uterine contractions and therefore have been widely used for the induction

of labor in late pregnancy, as abortifacient agents in early •• pregnancy and recently in augmentation of labor in late pregnancy.

I The use of natural prostaglandins has been limited by their I instability, high cost, rapid metabolism and high incidence of I gastrointestinal side effects. Oxytocin is the one mostly used for induction of labor, its augmentation and management of the third

stage of labor.

Misoprostol (Cytotec®) is a synthetic PGE1 analogue and is as effective as oxytocin in augmentation of labor. Misoprostol is not expensive, safe and simple to administer as it is piaced in the

vagina or given orally. Limited data are available about the I evaluation of its use in augmentation of labor in primigravidae. I The aim •of this study was to evaluate the efficacy, safety and

compliance of misoprostol in augmentation of labor in primigravidae, and evaluation of its side effects on the mother and fetus and its comparison with the commonly used oxytocin.