[Clinical uses of misoprostol in obstetrics and gynecology].

Misoprostol is a synthetic prostaglandin E1 analogue approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the prevention and treatment of gastroduodenal ulcers. Norman et al. first demonstrated its uterocontractive abortifacient properties in 19911. This publication generated great interest in the search for the potential uses of misoprostol in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Misoprostol has since been proven to be an effective agent for cervical priming prior to surgical abortion, medical abortion, induction of labour and prevention of postpartum haemorrhage. In contrast to other synthetic prostaglandin analogues, it is substantially less expensive. It does not require refrigeration and can be administered orally, rectally, vaginally, as well as by the sublingual route. The purpose of this chapter is to summarise the evidences of its efficacy in clinical use.