This entry was migrated from the earlier Pharmapedia app bundle and has not been reviewed by a named clinician on this site. It is provided for educational reference only — verify dosage and safety information against current, authoritative sources and a qualified healthcare professional before any clinical use.
Misoprostol reduces stomach acid and helps protect the stomach lining from damage that can be caused by taking aspirin or a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).
Misoprostol is a synthetic prostaglandin that works by "replacing" prostaglandins whose production is blocked by aspirin or NSAIDs. It is used to prevent stomach ulcers from developing during treatment with aspirin or an NSAID. Examples of NSAIDs include ibuprofen ( Advil , Motrin ), naproxen ( Aleve ), celecoxib , diclofenac , indomethacin , and meloxicam .
Misoprostol is used in a hospital setting to induce cervical ripening, labor induction in women with premature rupture of membranes, and treatment of serious post-partum hemorrhage, These uses are outside of the approved indications.
Misoprostol is also in combination with mifepristone or methotrexate to end an early pregnancy (medical abortion) or alone for early pregnancy loss (miscarriage).
Although FDA regulations allow certified healthcare professionals and pharmacies to dispense mifepristone and misoprostol for medical abortion both in healthcare facilities and by telehealth and mail, certain state laws may not allow this . For example, Louisiana has passed a bill that classifies mifepristone and misoprostol as dangerous controlled substances which, once signed, would mean anyone possessing these abortion pills without a prescription could face jail time and fines. Most abortions are already illegal in Louisiana.
When used for non-pregnancy-related conditions, misoprostol should not be used during pregnancy, and if you can become pregnant, you will need to have a negative pregnancy test before starting this treatment.
Misoprostol was FDA approved on December 27, 1988, under the brand Cytotec. Generic misoprostol is available.
Indications
Misoprostol reduces stomach acid and helps protect the stomach lining from damage that can be caused by taking aspirin or a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).
Misoprostol is a synthetic prostaglandin that works by "replacing" prostaglandins whose production is blocked by aspirin or NSAIDs. It is used to prevent stomach ulcers from developing during treatment with aspirin or an NSAID. Examples of NSAIDs include ibuprofen ( Advil , Motrin ), naproxen ( Aleve ), celecoxib , diclofenac , indomethacin , and meloxicam .
Misoprostol is used in a hospital setting to induce cervical ripening, labor induction in women with premature rupture of membranes, and treatment of serious post-partum hemorrhage, These uses are outside of the approved indications.
Misoprostol is also in combination with mifepristone or methotrexate to end an early pregnancy (medical abortion) or alone for early pregnancy loss (miscarriage).
Although FDA regulations allow certified healthcare professionals and pharmacies to dispense mifepristone and misoprostol for medical abortion both in healthcare facilities and by telehealth and mail, certain state laws may not allow this . For example, Louisiana has passed a bill that classifies mifepristone and misoprostol as dangerous controlled substances which, once signed, would mean anyone possessing these abortion pills without a prescription could face jail time and fines. Most abortions are already illegal in Louisiana.
When used for non-pregnancy-related conditions, misoprostol should not be used during pregnancy, and if you can become pregnant, you will need to have a negative pregnancy test before starting this treatment.
Misoprostol was FDA approved on December 27, 1988, under the brand Cytotec. Generic misoprostol is available.
Contraindications
You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to misoprostol or other prostaglandins.
To make sure misoprostol is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:
inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or other intestinal problems; heart disease; or if you are dehydrated.
May cause birth defects. Do not use if you are pregnant, unless misoprostol is beeing used for pregnancy related conditions. You must use effective birth control while using misoprostol and for at least 1 month after your last dose. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant.
You will need to have a negative pregnancy test before starting this treatment.
Stop taking this medicine and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment.
Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed while using this medicine.
Side Effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction : hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Misoprostol may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:
severe ongoing stomach discomfort or diarrhea; or dehydration --dizziness, confusion, feeling very thirsty, less urination.
Common misoprostol side effects may include:
diarrhea and stomach pain.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings
Misoprostol can cause birth defects, premature birth, uterine rupture, miscarriage, or incomplete miscarriage and dangerous uterine bleeding . Do not use misoprostol to prevent stomach ulcers if you are pregnant.
If you are able to become pregnant, you will need to have a negative pregnancy test before starting this treatment. You will also need to use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy during treatment.
High Risk Groups
Misoprostol can cause birth defects, premature birth, uterine rupture, miscarriage, or incomplete miscarriage and dangerous uterine bleeding . Do not use misoprostol to prevent stomach ulcers if you are pregnant.
If you are able to become pregnant, you will need to have a negative pregnancy test before starting this treatment. You will also need to use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy during treatment.
Adult Dosage
200 ug (200 (200)) 6 hourly PO —
Scraped Dose — Take misoprostol exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets.
Do not share misoprostol with another person, even if they have the same symptoms you have.
Misoprostol is usually taken four times a day with meals. The last dose of the day should be at bedtime. Follow your doctor's instructions.
You may have nausea , stomach cramps, or diarrhea while taking this medicine, especially during the first few weeks after you start taking misoprostol. These symptoms usually last for about a week.
Call your doctor if you have severe nausea, stomach pain, or diarrhea lasting longer than 8 days.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Child Dosage
Safety not established ( ) —
Neonatal Dosage
No neonatal dosage information is recorded for this medicine yet.
Drug Interactions
Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:
antacids .
This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with misoprostol, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins , and herbal products . Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.
Storage
Tab Store Below 40°C. Protect from Sunlight and Moisture.