Administration of prostaglandins by various routes for induction of abortion merits and demerits

Prostaglandin F_2α and its methyl analogues were used for induction of abortion in 598 patients with gestational age from 9 to 20 weeks. Different routes of administration were studied and varous dosages given. The incidence of gastrointestinal side effects were within acceptable range for all methods. Both intra-amniotic injections of 50 mg PGF_2α and 2.5 mg 15-methyl PGF_2α as well as intramuscular and vaginal administration of 15-methyl PGF_2α or its methyl ester, respectively, were highly effective in termination of pregnancy. The intramuscular route was, however, associated with the highest frequency of gastrointestinal side effects. If both efficacy and side effects were taken into consideration, the intra-amniotic and vaginal routes were superior. The ease of administration as well as the applicability over a wider range of gestation in termination of pregnancy may, however, in many situations speak in favour of the repeated vaginal administration of 15-methyl PGF_2α methyl ester.