Which drug is used as a prostaglandin analog to induce abortion?

Which drug is used as a prostaglandin analog to induce abortion?

• A. Leuprolide
• B. Zidovudine
• C. Misoprostol
• D. Methotrexate

Answer: (C)

Prostaglandin analogs induce abortion by stimulating uterine contractions and cervical ripening, helping the products of conception to be expelled. Misoprostol is a prostaglandin E1 analog that is widely used for medical abortion, either alone in early pregnancy or in combination with mifepristone for greater efficacy. It can be given by several routes (vaginal, buccal, or oral) and is effective at provoking the necessary uterine activity to terminate pregnancy. The other options do not function as prostaglandin analogs: leuprolide is a GnRH agonist used for puberty suppression or endometriosis; zidovudine is an antiretroviral; methotrexate is a folate antagonist used to terminate some early pregnancies but is not a prostaglandin analog and typically requires misoprostol to complete evacuation. Thus, misoprostol is the correct choice.

Prostaglandin analogs induce abortion by stimulating uterine contractions and cervical ripening, helping the products of conception to be expelled. Misoprostol is a prostaglandin E1 analog that is widely used for medical abortion, either alone in early pregnancy or in combination with mifepristone for greater efficacy. It can be given by several routes (vaginal, buccal, or oral) and is effective at provoking the necessary uterine activity to terminate pregnancy. The other options do not function as prostaglandin analogs: leuprolide is a GnRH agonist used for puberty suppression or endometriosis; zidovudine is an antiretroviral; methotrexate is a folate antagonist used to terminate some early pregnancies but is not a prostaglandin analog and typically requires misoprostol to complete evacuation. Thus, misoprostol is the correct choice.