Systemic lupus erythematosus and sickle-cell anaemia.

The buccal route does not have any disadvantages when compared to the oral route of prostaglandin administration. The incidence of vomiting (25%) described for the oral route by other workers is similar.2 3 The buccal route also has the advantages of oral drug administration. These are staff convenience and patient comfort, the latter being without the discomfort of an intravenous infusion and the attendant danger of circulatory overload. It may, however, have the added advantage in that the tablet may be removed if uterine hypertonus, or any other side effect, maternal or fetal, should occur. Administering prostaglandin E2 by the buccal route is a satisfactory method for inducing labour at term. An incremental mode of administration is advantageous.