Sublingual vs Vaginal Misoprostol for Labor Induction

Background: This study is a randomized controlled trial comparing the efficacy and safety of sublingual vs vaginal misoprostol for induction of labor. Materials and methods: A total of 160 women admitted for induction of labor at the PGIMER, Chandigarh, India were randomized to receive 25 μg of vaginal or sublingual misoprostol for labor induction. The two groups were compared for mode of delivery, induction delivery interval, misoprostol dose required, uterine contraction abnormalities and neonatal outcomes. Results: Majority of women in both groups delivered vaginally (91 and 89% in vaginal and sublingual misoprostol groups respectively). Mean number of doses of misoprostol required for induction of labor was similar in vaginal misoprostol group and sublingual misoprostol group (1.81 ± 0.84 vs 2.05 ± 0.98). The occurrence of uterine contraction abnormalities and neonatal outcome was similar in both groups. Conclusion: The low dose of 25 μg is equally efficacious and safe by both vaginal and sublingual routes.