Labour induction using buccal prostaglandin e2

Prostaglandins may remain in the circulation for some two hours after oral therapy and any resultant hypertonus may be difficult to treat in these circumstances. Buccal administration based on the concept that tablets could be discarded should this occur, has been evaluated in 30 patients. Effective uterine stimulation occurred in 90% of subjects receiving a dose of 1mg hourly. No hypertonus occurred but two patients had a prolonged contraction on a single occasion during labour. The fact that the tablets dissolve rapidly and in addition produce an unpleasant buccal prostaglandins do not have advantages over alternative methods of oxytocic administration.