["Off label" use of some medicinal products. Part II. "Off label" use of misoprostol]

The article is dedicated on the medicinal product known under the INN Misoprostol, a prostaglandin E1 analogue that is world wide "off label" used in obstetrics and gynecology. Contemporary publications are provided to prove the effects of the medicinal product when applied in a manner which differs from the licensed one--i.e. vaginally, sublingually, orally and rectally. Detailed recommendations are described about the use of Misoprostol in reproductive health. They are published in British National Formulary, "Guidelines on good practices" of the French High Health Authority, WHO Guidelines on save abortion, and presented as official positions of FDA, the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and the British National Institute for Clinical Excellance - NICE. Evidence and considerations are provided on the Misoprostol's induction of abortion and labor. It is concluded that Misoprostol is potentially important for the reproductive health practice. The widespread use of Misoprostol for "unlicensed" indications in the world is increasingly setting the view that based on the sufficient data for its safe and efficient use and complying with the information about its contraindications and possible risks, Misoprostol can claim to be a medicinal product of choice in the reproductive health practice.