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Misoprostol

pronounced as(mye soe prost' ole)

IMPORTANT WARNING:

Do not take misoprostol to prevent ulcers if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Misoprostol may cause miscarriages, premature labor, or birth defects.

If you are a woman of childbearing age, you may take misoprostol to prevent ulcers only if you have had a negative pregnancy test in the past 2 weeks and if you use a reliable method of birth control while taking misoprostol. You must begin taking misoprostol on the second or third day of your menstrual period. If you become pregnant while taking misoprostol, stop taking it and call your doctor immediately.

Before taking misoprostol, ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer's information for the patient and read it carefully. Talk to your doctor about the risks of taking misoprostol.

Do not let anyone else take your medication, especially a woman who is or may become pregnant.

Why is this medication prescribed?

Misoprostol is used to prevent ulcers in people who take certain arthritis or pain medicines, including aspirin, that can cause ulcers. It protects the stomach lining and decreases stomach acid secretion.

How should this medicine be used?

Misoprostol comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken 4 times a day, after meals and at bedtime with food. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take misoprostol exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Misoprostol must be taken regularly to be effective. Women should not take their first dose until the second or third day of their menstrual period (to be sure that they are not pregnant). Do not stop taking misoprostol without talking to your doctor.

Other uses for this medicine

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Misoprostol is also used sometimes to treat ulcers and to induce labor. Misoprostol is used in combination with mifepristone to end an early pregnancy. Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this drug for your condition.

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

What special precautions should I follow?

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Before taking misoprostol,

  • tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to misoprostol or any other drugs.
  • tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially antacids, aspirin, arthritis medications, and vitamins.
  • tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

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Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

What side effects can this medication cause?

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Misoprostol may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

  • diarrhea

  • headache

  • stomach pain

  • upset stomach

  • gas

  • vomiting

  • constipation

  • indigestion

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

  • vomiting blood

  • bloody or black, tarry stools

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].

What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?

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Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

In case of emergency/overdose

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In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

What other information should I know?

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Keep all appointments with your doctor.

Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.

Brand names

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  • Cytotec®

Last Reviewed - 09/01/2010

ASHP Logo American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. Disclaimer

AHFS® Consumer Medication Information. © Copyright, 2012. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., 7272 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, Maryland. All Rights Reserved. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized by ASHP.