Intravaginal naproxen in preterm labour: a preliminary study.

In a preliminary study, the possibility that local inhibition of postaglandin formation may inhibit preterm labour was examined. An intravaginal cyclo-oxygenase inhibitor, naproxen sodium, 500 mg was used in cases of preterm labour. The gestational ages of the patients were between 27 and 34 weeks, and they included a triplet pregnancy unresponsive to beta-sympathomimetic therapy. Treatment with intravaginal naproxen sodium was associated with prolongation of pregnancy for more than 6 days in five out of seven patients. No untoward fetal or maternal side-effects were detected.