title: Misoprostol vaginal insert for induction of labor: a delivery system with accurate dosing and rapid discontinuation.
abstract: Labor induction and cervical ripening are widely utilized and new methods are constantly being investigated. Prostaglandins have been shown to be effective labor induction agents and, in particular, were compared with other prostaglandin preparations; vaginal misoprostol used off-label was associated with reduced failure to achieve vaginal delivery. The challenge is to provide this medication with the correct dosing for this indication and with the ability to discontinue the medication if needed, all while ensuring essential maternal and neonatal safety. The misoprostol vaginal insert initiates cervical ripening using a delivery system that controls misoprostol release and can be rapidly removed. This article reviews the development, safety and efficacy of the misoprostol vaginal insert for induction of labor and cervical ripening, and will focus on vaginally administered prostaglandins.
authors: Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of California Irvine Medical Center, 101 The City Drive South, Building 56, Suite 800, Orange, CA 92868, USA.
authors: Megan L
authors: ML
authors: Stephenson
authors: J Seth
authors: JS
authors: Hawkins
authors: Barbara L
authors: BL
authors: Powers
authors: Deborah A
authors: DA
authors: Wing
mesh_terms: D000282:Administration, Intravaginal; D020070:Cervical Ripening / Q000187:drug effects*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007751:Labor, Induced / Q000379:methods*; D016595:Misoprostol / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000494:pharmacology; D010120:Oxytocics / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000494:pharmacology; D011247:Pregnancy; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D011263:Pregnancy Trimester, Third / Q000187:drug effects; D014590:Uterine Contraction / Q000187:drug effects*
chemical_list: D010120:Oxytocics; D016595:Misoprostol