Oral Prostaglandins E2 and F2a in the Induction of Labour

Summary: Oral prostaglandins E₂ and F_2a were used to augment amniotomy in the induction of labour in 173 patients. The success rate was significantly higher with prostaglandin E₂ than with prostaglandin F_2a (89% and 75%, respectively). This was achieved despite a significantly lower incidence of gastrointestinal side effects. No serious maternal or fetal complications occurred with either drug. It is concluded that oral prostaglandin E₂ is more efficient than oral prostaglandin F_2a in the induction of labour.