Misoprostol



Cytotec®







Misoprostol

(mye soe PROST ole)

U.S. Brand Names
Cytotec®
Canadian Brand Names
Apo-Misoprostol®; Novo-Misoprostol
Mexican Brand Names
Cytotec®
Pharmacologic Category
Prostaglandin
What key warnings should I know about before taking this medicine?
  • If you are taking to prevent gastric ulcers, do not take this medicine if you are pregnant. An effective form of birth control should be used during treatment.
  • If you are taking to end pregnancy, severe infections may occur following the use of this medicine. Contact healthcare provider if you have nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or weakness with or without belly pain or fever more than 1 day after treatment.
Reasons not to take this medicine
  • If you have an allergy to misoprostol or any other part of this medicine.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
  • If you are pregnant and using this medicine to decrease the risk of developing stomach ulcers.
  • If you are breast-feeding.
  • To prevent gastric ulcer:
  • If you are pregnant or may be pregnant.
What is this medicine used for?
  • This medicine is used to get your cervix ready for childbirth.
  • This medicine is used to end your pregnancy.
  • This medicine is used to prevent NSAID-associated gastric ulcers in patients with a history of ulcers.
How does it work?
  • Misoprostol protects the gastrointestinal tract from NSAIDs
  • This medicine causes uterine contractions.
How is it best taken?
  • Oral:
  • Take this medicine with food.
  • Vaginal:
  • Use tablet vaginally.
What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)
  • Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
  • If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.
  • Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
  • Do not change dose or stop medicine. Talk with healthcare provider.
What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
  • Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
  • Use birth control that you can trust to prevent pregnancy while taking this medicine to prevent ulcers.
What are some possible side effects of this medicine?
  • Headache.
  • Belly pain.
  • Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help.
  • Diarrhea.
  • Uterine rupture can rarely occur.
What should I monitor?
  • Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
  • Take good care of your teeth. See a dentist regularly.
Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
  • If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center immediately or dial 911.
  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Severe nausea or vomiting.
  • Severe belly pain.
  • Severe diarrhea.
  • If taking to end pregnancy: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or weakness with or without belly pain or fever.
  • Any rash.
  • No improvement in condition or feeling worse.
How should I store this medicine?
  • Store this medicine at room temperature.
  • Pregnancy:
  • You will be given this medicine in a healthcare setting. You will not store at home.
General statements
  • If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.
  • Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
  • Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.
Brand Names: