Termination of pregnancy by intramuscular administration of 15 (S)-15-methyl-prostaglandin in F2 alpha.

The use of 15 (S)-15-methyl-prostaglandin F2 alpha for second-trimester termination of pregnancy, induction of labor in the presence of a dead or severely malformed fetus, and the management of molar pregnancy was investigated in 212 women. The dosage regime was 250 microgram of the prostaglandin analogue every 1 to 3 hours. Cumulative expulsion rates amounted to 94 and 97% after 24 to 36 hours, respectively. Gastrointestinal side effects occurred in 48% of the patients, and both the number and intensity of the episodes were significantly reduced by antiemetic and antidiarrheal drugs. No serious complications occurred.