Oral Prostaglandin E2in Induction of Labour

Summary: In a randomised study of 207 patients, labour was induced with oral prostaglandin E₂in 107 and intravenous oxytocin (Syntocinon) in the remainder, half in each group with medication alone, the other half with fore-water amniotomy as well. Prostaglandin and oxytocin were found to be more effective when preceded by amniotomy. Once labour was established, the time taken to achieve vaginal delivery was the same with either drug, as also the number of successful vaginal deliveries. There were 6 failed inductions, but no statistical significance in the percentage differences between PGE₂ and oxytocin could be found. The two perinatal deaths which occurred could not be attributed to either drug. Oral PGE₂is therefore as effective as intravenous oxytocin with no observed hypertonus and little side-effects.