Labor induction

Iatrogenic initiation of labor for medical indications. Agents — oxytocin, prostaglandin E2 (dinoprostone), misoprostol. Approach per ACOG 2009/2021 and NICE NG207.

ICD-10 O611 drug

Drugs used for this condition

AOxytocinFirst line · Posterior pituitary hormonesFirst-line for labor induction and augmentation per ACOG 2009/2021 and NICE NG207. IV via infusion pump, start 1–2 mU/min and titrate every 15–30 minutes to adequate contractions (3–5 per 10 minutes). Max 30–40 mU/min. Hospital use only with continuous fetal and maternal monitoring – hyperstimulation with fetal distress risk.

How to read tiers A–F

Evidence tiers belong to the drug-indication pair, not to the drug as a whole: the same substance can be A for one condition and F for another.

AStrong evidence – first or second line in international guidelines
BRecommended in selected cases
CStudy data contradict each other
DBenefit not proven, no documented harm
FDocumented harm, or risk without benefit