Introduction: Post partum haemorrhage ( PPH) is an important cause of maternal morbidity and mortality especially in the developing countries. Compared to expectant management, active management decreases the incidence of PPH. Objective of study is to compare the effectiveness of rectal Misoprostol against Intramuscular Oxytocin in prevention of postpartum haemorrhage. Material and Methods: This is a prospective, randomized and analytical study at department of obstetrics and gynecology, katihar medical college and hospital , katihar. A total of 25 women were included to receive 800 micrograms rectal misoprostol tablets and another 25 women received 10 units of oxytocin intramuscularly. Primary outcome measures were incidence of postpartum hemorrhage or a change in hemoglobin from admission to day two post delivery. Secondary outcome measures including duration of third stage of labor and side effects of both drugs were recorded. Results: With Misoprostol there was reduced blood loss as compared to oxytocin however there was no significant difference among groups in drop of hemoglobin.Secondary outcome measure – duration of third stage of labor was similar in both groups. However the side effects were less in the misoprostol group. Conclusion: Rectal misoprostol is as effective as intramuscular oxytocin in preventing postpartum hemorrhage but with lesser side effects and is worth while to be used as a ureteronic agent for the routine management of third stage of labor.  

Keywords: Misoprostol; Postpartum Hemorrhage; Oxytocin.