Uses of misoprostol in obstetrics and gynecology

Abstract

Misoprostol is a synthetic prostaglandin E(1) analogue that is used off-label for a variety of indications in the practice of obstetrics and gynecology, including medication abortion, medical management of miscarriage, induction of labor, cervical ripening before surgical procedures, and the treatment of postpartum hemorrhage. Due to its wide-ranging applications in reproductive health, misoprostol is on the World Health Organization Model List of Essential Medicines. This article briefly reviews the varied uses of misoprostol in obstetrics and gynecology.

Keywords: Cervical ripening; Hysteroscopy; Induced abortion; Induction of labor; Misoprostol; Postpartum hemorrhage.

Figures

Figure 1

World map of misoprostol approval. Produced by Gynuity Health Projects. Reproduced with permission from Gynuity Health Projects. Copyright © 2008. Access at www.gynuity.org.

Figure 2

Mean plasma concentrations of misoprostol acid over time (arrow bars = 1 SD). Reprinted from Tang OS et al, “Pharmacokinetics of different routes of administration of misoprostol,” Hum Reprod. 2002;17:332–336. Copyright © 2002 with permission from Oxford University Press.