Ripening agents: Several agents (Cytotec, Cervidil) can be used in the hospital or outpatient to help ready the cervix for labor in women whose cervix is long, closed or “unripe.” These “ripening agents” are easily inserted in the vagina or taken by mouth and work for 4-12 hours.
How effective is Cytotec for induction?
A lower dosage of vaginal misoprostol (25 mcg 6-hourly) was less effective than a higher one (25 mcg 3-hourly), with reduced rates of uterine hyperstimulation. Findings suggest that vaginal doses of 25 mcg misoprostol 3-hourly are more effective than conventional methods of cervical ripening and labor induction.
How long does it take misoprostol to work for induction?
For induction of labour, the Alfirevic network meta-analysis12 suggested that oxytocin with amniotomy and misoprostol vaginal doses of 50 mcg or more were more effective than other agents in achieving vaginal delivery within 24 hours.
