Review of medical abortion using mifepristone in combination with a prostaglandin analogue.
Induced abortion is still a major health problem in the world and the most frequently performed intervention in obstetrics and gynecology with an estimated total of 46 million worldwide each year. Medical abortion with mifepristone and prostaglandin was first introduced in 1988 and is now approved in 31 countries. This combination of drugs has recently been included in the List of Essential Medicines by the World Health Organisation. The present review summarizes the development, physiology and the development of the currently used regimens.
Fiala
Christian
C
Gynmed Clinic, Mariahilferguertel 37, A-1150 Vienna, Austria. christian.fiala@aon.at
Gemzel-Danielsson
Kristina
K
D000020:Abortifacient Agents, Nonsteroidal / Q000008:administration & dosage; D000021:Abortifacient Agents, Steroidal / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D000028:Abortion, Induced / Q000379:methods*; D000282:Administration, Intravaginal; D000286:Administration, Sublingual; D016362:Analgesia, Obstetrical; D005260:Female; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D015735:Mifepristone / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D016595:Misoprostol / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011247:Pregnancy; D011453:Prostaglandins / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D013997:Time Factors; D014590:Uterine Contraction / Q000187:drug effects; D014592:Uterine Hemorrhage; D014944:World Health Organization
D000020:Abortifacient Agents, Nonsteroidal; D000021:Abortifacient Agents, Steroidal; D011453:Prostaglandins; D016595:Misoprostol; D015735:Mifepristone