cytotec & lubricating jelly

nursechar · Nov 16, 2001

:) Most of our providers use Cytotec 50 mcg lady partslly for inductions. Occasionally, some of them use 50 mcg p.o. if the patients cervix is really favorable. For fetal demise, we usually use Cytotec 100-200mcg. At our hospital, we have a Cytotec consent form that pt's are required to sign prior to cytotec use. The form basically states that cytotec is not approved for use in Obstetrical patients for induction of labor. Does anyone else have such a form at their hospital?

moz · Nov 16, 2001

We use 25mcg for inductions, sometimes 50, and 50 or more for fetal demise. We also have a consent prior to use stating risks. We have 1 doc who INSISTS ky does not decrease effectiveness...another who crushes the tab and inserts thru speculum with ring forceps. The doc puts the first dose in, subsequent doses may be inserted by rn. We aren't using po yet, but a nearby facility does for inductions.

Jolie, BSN · Nov 16, 2001

The hospital where I used to work had a policy requiring written informed consent from OB patients before any drug could be administered for an "off-label" use. That included Brethine and MgSO4 for pre-term labor. Cytotec was not in use for inductions when I left there, but I'm sure that it falls under this policy.

I don't know what prompted this policy, whether there was ever a lawsuit related to "off-label" use of a drug, or whether the hospital attorney simply anticipated that one might come up, but I thought it was a reasonable protection for the nursing staff.