A study of comparative efficacy of oral prostaglandin E2 as liquid formulation and tablets for induction of labour

Abstract

16 patients were treated with prostaglandin E2 tablets and 15 patients with the liquid formulation. Seven of the patients who received tablets delivered vaginally within 24 houres (44%). In the group treated with the liquid formulation eight patients delivered within 24 hours (53%). Only three patients had severe side effects from the alimentary tract, but in all cases the treatment could be continued. No serious side effects were observed. As no significant difference between the tablets and liquid formulations was found, with regard to tolerance and efficacy, the tablets are recommended because they need no special preparation before use.