Buccal and oral drugs: induction of labour.

A total number of 154 pregnant patients were treated with one of 3 buccal/oral preparations (Pitocin, Sandopart buccal tablets of 200 and 50 IU of oxytocin, resp., and Prostin oral tablet of 0.5 mg PGE2) in order to induce labour. Standardization of the cases was done on the basis of Bishop score, parity, success of induction and dose schedules. Gestational ages varied from 37 to 42 weeks. The criterion of successful induction was establishment of labour with at least 5 cm cervical dilatation by 12 hours. All the three drugs gave equally good results and comparable that of oxytocin drip. Vaginal delivery rates were for Pitocin, Sandopart, and Prostin 94.4, 96.7 and 91.9 per cent, respectively. In none of the cases were in serious danger either mother or foetus, therefore oral and buccal drugs are recommended for induction of labour, wherever favourable cervical maturity is established, with remarkable convenience to the patients.