Misoprostol is used in postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) because it effectively increases uterine tone and helps to decrease bleeding after childbirth.
Misoprostol, a prostaglandin analogue, is beneficial in managing PPH due to the following reasons:
- Uterine Contraction: Misoprostol stimulates uterine contractions, which helps the uterus to clamp down and compress the blood vessels at the placental site, thus reducing bleeding.
- Accessibility and Administration: It can be administered through various routes such as orally, sublingually, vaginally, or rectally, making it a versatile option, especially in resource-limited settings.
- Stability and Cost-Effectiveness: Misoprostol is relatively inexpensive and stable at room temperature, making it suitable for use in areas where access to other uterotonic drugs like oxytocin may be limited or refrigeration is unavailable.
However, it's important to acknowledge that while misoprostol is effective, it can have side effects such as shivering, fever, and diarrhea, which may limit its use in some cases.
