Misoprostol (By mouth)
mye-soe-PROST-ol
Prevents stomach ulcers caused by NSAID drugs.
Drug classes
Antiulcer, Protectant, Endocrine-Metabolic Agent (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Misoprostol is taken to prevent stomach ulcers in patients taking anti-inflammatory drugs, including aspirin. Misoprostol may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Misoprostol helps the stomach protect itself against acid damage. It also decreases the amount of acid produced by the stomach.
This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.
Once a medicine has been approved for marketing for a certain use, experience may show that it is also useful for other medical problems. Although these uses are not included in product labeling, misoprostol may be used in certain patients with the following medical conditions:
Abortion, second trimester
Cervical ripening
Induction of labor
Postpartum hemorrhage
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Tablet
Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
This medicine should be taken with meals. Take the last dose of the day at bedtime.
Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
If a dose is missed:
Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
When Not To Use
Do not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to misoprostol. Do not use this medicine if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. This medicine can cause miscarriage if taken during pregnancy.
Warnings
Using this medicine while you are pregnant can harm your unborn baby. You must have a negative pregnancy test within 2 weeks before you will be allowed to take this medicine. Use an effective form of birth control to keep from getting pregnant. If you miss a period, stop using this medicine and tell your doctor right away.
Begin taking this medicine on the 2nd or 3rd day of your monthly period. This is to make sure you are not pregnant.
Make sure your doctor knows if you are breastfeeding, or if you have kidney problems, heart or blood vessel problems, stomach ulcers, Crohn disease, colitis, or other bowel problems.
Call your doctor right away if you have severe diarrhea, nausea, or stomach cramps or pain.
It is dangerous for anyone else to use your medicine. Keep your unused tablets in a safe and secure place.
Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Severe diarrhea
Vaginal bleeding after menopause
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Mild diarrhea, constipation, indigestion, gas, nausea, stomach pain or upset
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Cytotec
There may be other brand names for this medicine.