The vaginal administration of 9-deoxo-16,16-dimethyl-9-methylene PGE2 for second trimester abortion.

9-Deoxo-16,16-dimethyl 9-methylene PGE2 was given as a vaginal suppository at 0 and 8 hours to 37 patients. Two different doses were given, a 75-mg and 60-mg dose. The larger dose achieved an 86% abortion rate at 24 hours and for the smaller dose it was 53%. When an intramuscular injection of 15-methyl PGF2 alpha Tham was added at 24 hours, the success rate was 91% and 80% at 36 hours. The incidence of gastrointestinal side effects were significantly reduced when compared to vaginal administration of either PGE2 or 15-methyl PGF2 alpha methyl ester. The incidence of temperature elevation was similar to that achieved with the use of vaginal PGE2 but higher than with the use of vaginal 15-methyl PGF2 alpha methyl ester.