Publication:

Efficacy of 50µg oral misoprostol versus 25µg vaginal misoprostol in induction of labor

Background Misoprostol is the latest drug for induction of labour which is cheap and stable at room temperature. Our study was conducted to test the efficacy of misoprostol for labor induction through oral and vaginal route.

Methods 250 women who required induction of labor at Govt. Medical College, Kottayam was included in this study. Both oral misoprostol 50µg and vaginal misoprostol 25µg 4 hourly upto maximum of four doses were used for induction of labor as per consultant’s preference. Out of these 125 patients were selected for study in both groups. Singleton term pregnancies with cephalic presentation were selected. The mean induction pain interval, induction delivery interval, mode of delivery, maternal complications like uterine contraction abnormalities, neonatal complications were observed.

Results Induction to pain interval was shorter in oral misoprostol group compared to vaginal misoprostol group (2.48+1.3 hours vs. 3.91+2.17 hours P ≤0.001). But the mean induction to delivery interval was comparable in both groups (12.98±3.04hrs vs. 12.59±3.28 hrs.) Vaginal delivery and cesarean section rate in both groups were comparable. The oral group required more number of misoprostol (>2 misoprostol 38.4% in oral 25.6% in vaginal p=0.030). There was insignificant increased incidence of uterine hyperstimulation in vaginal group. The neonatal outcome was comparable.

Conclusions Misoprostol administered either by oral or vaginal route was equally effective in induction of labor and found to be safe.