Information About Induction Drugs
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Commonly used Drugs for Induction
Dinoprostines (PGE2 gel, Cervidil, Prepidil)
Misoprostal (Cytotec) Not FDA approved for cervical
ripening, Cochrane libraries suggests not to use
misoprostal due to lack of studies and propensity
for hyperstimulation
Oxytocin (Pitocin) IV, Subuchal, IM: for stimulation
of uterus.
All medications require continuous fetal
monitoring of uterine activity and fetal heart
tones. Complications include: fetal distress,
hyperstimulation, uterine rupture, fetal hypoxia,
and possible fetal and maternal death.
Pain Medication used orally, IV, and IM
Opioids: Depress CNS, along with respirations and
decrease sensitivity to Co2; causes urinary retention,
diaphoresis, decreases gastric motility and causes
nausea and vomiting.
The physiological response: Reduce pain without
loss of consciousness however can produce physiological
dependence. The fetal side effects decrease FHR,
variability, respiratory depression, increase metabolites,
abnormal neurological behavioral exams, delayed breast
feeding, possible dependence, low APGAR score, may
require greater resuscitation and may cause fetal death.
Commonly used Analgesics in labor:
- Stadol (Butophanol), narcotic, moderate sedation
- Fentanyl Citrate, narcotic, moderate sedation
- Nubain (Nalbuphine), narcotic, mild sedation
- Demerol (Meperidine), narcotic, mild sedation
- Morphine Sulfate, narcotic, sometimes combined with visteral or phenergan to sleep a woman before labor, moderate to severe sedation
- Phenergan (Promethazine), ataractic, decrease anxiety
- Vistaril (Hydroxyzine), ataractic, decrease anxiety, moderate sedation