Comparison of sequential vaginal and sublingual misoprostol after a vaginal loading dose for second-trimester abortion

Taiwan J Obstet Gynecol. 2017 Jun;56(3):312-314. doi: 10.1016/j.tjog.2017.04.008.

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the effects of sequential vaginal and sublingual misoprostol after a vaginal loading dose for second-trimester abortion.

Materials and methods: From January 2006 to December 2011, 173 women received an 800-μg vaginal loading dose of misoprostol. After the loading dose, 103 patients received 800 mg of misoprostol vaginally and 70 patients received 400 mg of misoprostol sublingually every 12 h until the delivery of the fetus.

Results: In the vaginal group, the average abortion time was 1.07 ± 1.29 days; that was 0.82 ± 0.66 days in the sublingual group. Sequential sublingual misoprostol after a vaginal loading dose of 800 mg with an administration interval of 12 h had a similar abortion rate and time to abortion. In addition, this protocol reduced unnecessary digital pelvic examinations and speculum examinations.

Conclusion: This sequential sublingual misoprostol regimen might be a suitable regimen for mid-trimester abortion.

Keywords: Abortion; Cytotec; Misoprostol; Second-trimester.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Abortifacient Agents, Nonsteroidal / administration & dosage*
  • Abortion, Induced / methods*
  • Administration, Intravaginal
  • Administration, Sublingual
  • Adult
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Misoprostol / administration & dosage*
  • Off-Label Use
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Trimester, Second
  • Prospective Studies
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Abortifacient Agents, Nonsteroidal
  • Misoprostol