Journal of South Asian Federation of Obstetrics and Gynaecology

Register      Login

VOLUME 16 , ISSUE S2 ( August, 2024 ) > List of Articles

EXPERT VIEW/REVIEW PAPER

Comparing Sublingual and Vaginal Misoprostol for Labor Induction in Full-term Pregnant Women: A Comprehensive Review

Deepakshi Gupta, Varsha Kose

Keywords : Induction, Induction of labor, Intravaginal misoprostol, Misoprostol

Citation Information :

DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-10006-2460

License: CC BY-NC 4.0

Published Online: 02-09-2024

Copyright Statement:  Copyright © 2024; The Author(s).


Abstract

The induction of labor in full-term pregnant females is a critical aspect of obstetric care aimed at mitigating important maternal and fetal risks correlated with prolonged pregnancies or medical conditions necessitating expedited delivery. Misoprostol [Miso], a synthetic prostaglandin E1 analog, has been promoted as a pharmacological agent for labor induction due to its effectiveness and ease of administration. Nonetheless, the optimal route of misoprostol administration remains a subject of ongoing debate. This comprehensive review systematically examines clinical trials, cohort trials, and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to understand the comparative effectiveness of sublingual (SL) and vaginal (VAG) misoprostol for inducing labor in full-term pregnant females. Key findings reveal that both routes are adequate, with the choice dependent on patient-specific factors and preferences. Sublingual administration offers advantages regarding the faster onset of labor and reduced maternal fever risk but is associated with a higher incidence of shivering. Standardized dosing protocols, tailored to individual patient characteristics, are vital for safe and effective induction. Incorporating shared decision-making is integral for patient satisfaction and positive outcomes. Ultimately, the choice between SL and VAG misoprostol for labor induction should be guided by a comprehensive patient assessment in consultation with healthcare providers. Further research and clinical trials are needed to refine our understanding of these methods’ comparative efficacy and safety.


PDF Share
  1. Marconi AM. Recent advances in the induction of labor. F1000 Research 2019;8:F1000. DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.17587.1.
  2. Carlson N, Ellis J, Page K, et al. Review of evidence-based methods for successful labor induction. J Midwifery Womens Health 2021;66(4):459–469. DOI: 10.1111/jmwh.13238.
  3. Krugh M, Maani CV. Misoprostol. In Treasure Island (FL);2023.
  4. Allen R, O'Brien BM. Uses of misoprostol in obstetrics and gynecology. Rev Obstet Gynecol 2009;2(3):159–168. PMID:19826573.
  5. Moore ML. Misoprostol-is more research needed? J Perinat Educ 2002;11(3):43–47. DOI: 10.1624/105812402X88849.
  6. Ayati S, Vahidroodsari F, Farshidi F, et al. VAG versus SL misoprostol for labor induction at term and post term: A randomized prospective study. Iran J Pharm Res 2014;13(1):299–304. PMID: 24734084.
  7. Jahromi BN, Poorgholam F, Yousefi G, et al. SL versus VAG Misoprostol for the induction of labor at term: A randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Iran J Med Sci 2016;41(2):79–85. PMID: 26989277.
  8. Dorr ML, Pierson RC, Daggy J, et al. Buccal versus VAG Misoprostol for term induction of labor: A retrospective cohort study. Am J Perinatol 2019;36(7):765772. DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1675219.
  9. Amini M, Wide-Swensson D, Herbst A. SL misoprostol vs. oral misoprostol solution for induction of labor: A retrospective study. Front Surg 2022;9:968372. DOI: 10.3389/fsurg.2022.968372.
  10. Sheibani L, Wing DA. A safety review of medications used for labor induction. Expert Opin Drug Saf 2018;17(2):161–167. DOI: 10.1080/14740338.2018.1404573.
PDF Share
PDF Share

© Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers (P) LTD.