Prostaglandin E₂

Abstract

Prostaglandin E₂ is the most common and biologically potent of the primary prostaglandins. It induces contraction of uterine smooth muscle at all stages of pregnancy and is used principally to induce labour or as an abortifacient. It has vasodilator and bronch-odilator properties. It can be given by vaginal, oral and parenteral routes. Exogenous prostaglandin E₂ is almost completely inactivated on a single transit through the lung.