A comparison of oral prostaglandin E2 and intravenous oxytocin for induction of labor in normal and high-risk pregnancies.

The efficacy of oral prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) for induction of labor has been compared to that of intravenous oxytocin. There were 49 patients in each series. The over-all success rate with PGE2 is 82 per cent; with oxytocin, 65 per cent. PGE2 is at least as effective as oxytocin regardless of Bishop score or gravidity. There was no difference in the duration of labor in successful inductions with PGE2 or oxytocin. Nausea and diarrhea are more common with PGE2 but in only one case was this severe enough to warrent discontinuing the medication. One case of uterine hypertonus occurred in each series. No serious harmful effects on mother or fetus were noted with PGE2. These data support the concept that oral PGE2 administration is a safe and effective alternative to intravenous oxytocin for induction of labor in normal and high-risk pregnancies.