Absence of Antidiuresis during Administration of Prostaglandin F₂α

Abstract

Water diuresis was induced in six patients in mid-pregnancy. Three were then given oxytocin and the remainder prostaglandin F₂α (PGF₂α), both drugs being infused intravenously in doses used to induce labour at term. Pronounced antidiuresis occurred with oxytocin, whereas PGF₂α showed no such effect. The probable absence of any risk of water intoxication when using PGF₂α in inducing labour may be of particular value when maternal pre-eclampsia or renal disease is present.