Administration of prostaglandins by various routes for induction of abortion. Merits and demerits.

Prostaglandin F2alpha and its methyl analogues were used for induction of abortion in 598 patients with gestational age from 9 to 20 weeks. Different routes of administration were studied and various dosages given. The incidence of gastrointestinal side effects were within acceptable range for all methods. Both intra-amniotic injections of 50 mg PGF2alpha and 2.5 mg 15-methyl PGF2alpha as well as intramuscular and vaginal administration of 15-methyl PGF2alpha or its methyl ester, respectively, were highly effective in termination of pregnancy. The intramuscular route was, however, associated with the highest frequency of gastrointestinal side effects. If both efficacy and side effects were taken into consideration, the intra-amniotic and vaginal routes were superior. The ease of administration as well as the applicability over a wider range of gestation in termination of pregnancy may, however, in many situations speak in favour of the repeated vaginal administration of 15-methyl PGF2alpha methyl ester.