title: Clinical use of misoprostol in nonpregnant women: review article.
abstract: Misoprostol, a prostaglandin E1 derivative, has been widely used in nonpregnant women because of its cervical ripening and uterotonic effects. A large number of studies have demonstrated its effectiveness in enhancing ease of cervical dilation. This review article describes its pharmacokinetic profile and the relationship between prostaglandins and cervical ripening and uterine contraction and provides a review of the clinical use of misoprostol in nonpregnant women including cervical priming before hysteroscopy, before insertion of an intrauterine device, in endometrium biopsy, preoperatively in myomectomy, and before intrauterine insemination to improve pregnancy rates. Adverse effects are also described.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Hat-Yai, Songkhla, Thailand. chchaina@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Chainarong
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Choksuchat
mesh_terms: D001706:Biopsy; D016063:Blood Loss, Surgical / Q000517:prevention & control; D002584:Cervix Uteri / Q000187:drug effects*; D004108:Dilatation, Pathologic; D004717:Endometrium / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D007987:Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone / Q000819:agonists; D006801:Humans; D015907:Hysteroscopy; D007315:Insemination, Artificial; D007434:Intrauterine Devices; D016595:Misoprostol / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D009215:Myometrium / Q000601:surgery; D010120:Oxytocics / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D017698:Postmenopause; D017697:Premenopause; D011300:Preoperative Care
chemical_list: D010120:Oxytocics; D016595:Misoprostol; D007987:Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone