Rectal misoprostol in the prevention of postpartum hemorrhage: a placebo-controlled trial

Postpartum hemorrhage occurred less often after rectal administration of misoprostol, although the effect was not statistically significant. Fewer side effects were found with rectal administration compared with reports of oral administration. The study involved 550 women in a randomized study with placebos used as controls. Conventional oxytocic agents were given to control excessive bleeding.