Misoprostol: pharmacokinetic profiles, effects on the uterus and side-effects.
Misoprostol, a synthetic prostaglandin E1 analogue, is commonly used for medical abortion, cervical priming, the management of miscarriage, induction of labor and the management of postpartum hemorrhage. It can be given orally, vaginally, sublingually, buccally or rectally. Studies of misoprostol's pharmacokinetics and effects on uterine activity have demonstrated the properties of the drug after various routes of administration. These studies can help to discover the optimal dose and route of administration of misoprostol for individual clinical applications. Misoprostol is a safe drug but serious complications and teratogenicity can occur with unsupervised use.
Tang
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OS
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China. ostang@graduate.hku.hk
Gemzell-Danielsson
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Ho
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PC
D000020:Abortifacient Agents, Nonsteroidal / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D020070:Cervical Ripening / Q000187:drug effects; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004333:Drug Administration Routes; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016595:Misoprostol / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics* / Q000494:pharmacology; D010120:Oxytocics / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics* / Q000494:pharmacology; D006473:Postpartum Hemorrhage / Q000188:drug therapy; D011247:Pregnancy; D011459:Prostaglandins E, Synthetic / Q000737:chemistry / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D014599:Uterus / Q000187:drug effects
D000020:Abortifacient Agents, Nonsteroidal; D010120:Oxytocics; D011459:Prostaglandins E, Synthetic; D016595:Misoprostol