A woman with an unfavourable cervix and no previous uterine scar is being induced with vaginal misoprostol. According to standard protocols, what is the correct dose and repeat interval?
- A 25 micrograms vaginally, repeated every 3 to 6 hours ✓
- B 100 micrograms vaginally, repeated every 2 hours
- C 25 micrograms vaginally, repeated every 12 hours
- D 50 micrograms orally, repeated hourly until contractions begin
Correct answer: A. 25 micrograms vaginally, repeated every 3 to 6 hours
Explanation
The accepted low-dose regimen is 25 micrograms of misoprostol placed vaginally and repeated no more often than every 3 to 6 hours, allowing assessment of uterine activity before redosing. Higher doses such as 100 micrograms are associated with unacceptably high rates of tachysystole and uterine rupture. Misoprostol is avoided entirely when there is a previous cesarean scar.
Reference: Williams Obstetrics, 26th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.