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Misoprostol Coupon - Misoprostol 200mcg tablet

misoprostol

Generic Cytotec
Used for Gastric Ulcer, Labor Induction
Used for Gastric Ulcer, Labor Induction

Misoprostol (Cytotec) is a prescription medication that's FDA approved to lower the risk of stomach ulcers in certain people who take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen. It's also sometimes used off-label for a medical abortion or to induce labor during pregnancy. You usually take it by mouth, and the dose depends on what you’re using it for. Common side effects include diarrhea and stomach pain.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Daisy Chau, PharmD
reviewer
Cydnee Ng, PharmD
Last reviewed on November 5, 2025
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageInteractionsCostContraindicationsAlternativesLatest newsImagesPricesMedicare
basics-icon

What is Misoprostol (Cytotec)?

What is Misoprostol (Cytotec) used for?

How Misoprostol (Cytotec) works

Misoprostol (Cytotec) is a prostaglandin analogue, which acts like the natural prostaglandins your body makes. It works by lowering the amount of stomach acid and protecting your stomach lining. This is important because NSAIDs can reduce natural prostaglandins that normally protect your stomach, leading to ulcers.

For medical abortion or labor induction, misoprostol (Cytotec) works by causing the uterus to contract and softening the cervix to help start the process.

Are you looking for information on mifepristone (Mifeprex) instead?
When does Misoprostol (Cytotec) start working?
Time passed since treatment started:
MINUTES
HOURS
DAYS
WEEKS
MONTHS
Initial effect
Full effect

Drug Facts

Common BrandsCytotec
Drug ClassProstaglandin
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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$14.93(save 78.78%)
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What are the side effects of Misoprostol (Cytotec)?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Diarrhea (14-40%)
  • Stomach pain (13-20%)

Other Side Effects

  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Gas
  • Upset stomach
  • Constipation
  • Vaginal bleeding
When do Misoprostol (Cytotec) possible side effects begin and end?
Time passed since treatment started:
HOURS
DAYS
WEEKS
MONTHS
Diarrhea

Source: DailyMed

More on Misoprostol (Cytotec) side effects

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The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Rare

Cramps

heavy bleeding

painful menstruation

Incidence not known

Bladder pain

bloody nose

bloody or black, tarry stools

bloody or cloudy urine

blurred vision

body aches or pain

chest pain

chills

confusion

constipation

cough

difficult, burning, or painful urination

difficulty with breathing

difficulty with moving

difficulty with swallowing

dizziness

dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position

ear congestion

feeling unusually cold

fever

frequent urge to urinate

headache

hives, itching, or skin rash

loss of voice

lower back or side pain

muscle pain or stiffness

nasal congestion

nervousness

pain in the joints

pale skin

pounding in the ears

puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue

runny nose

severe stomach pain

shivering

slow or fast heartbeat

sneezing

sore throat

sweating

tightness in the chest

troubled breathing with exertion

unusual bleeding or bruising

unusual tiredness or weakness

vomiting of blood or material that looks like coffee grounds

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Abdominal or stomach pain

diarrhea

Less common

Acid or sour stomach

belching

bloated

excess air or gas in the stomach or intestines

full feeling

heartburn

indigestion

passing gas

stomach discomfort or upset

Incidence not known

Blistering, crusting, irritation, itching, or reddening of the skin

breast pain

burning, dry, or itching eyes

change in taste

continuing ringing or buzzing or other unexplained noise in the ears

cracked, dry, scaly skin

depression

discharge, excessive tearing

hair loss or thinning of the hair

hearing loss

lack or loss of strength

paleness of the skin

redness, pain, swelling of the eye, eyelid, or inner lining of the eyelid

weight changes

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Misoprostol (Cytotec)

thumbs-up

Pros

FDA approved to lower the risk of stomach ulcers

Proven safe and effective when used for medical abortions or labor induction

Works within minutes to hours

thumbs-down

Cons

Can cause diarrhea and cramping

Needs to be taken four times a day with food if used for ulcer prevention

Must be taken at specific time intervals if taken for medical abortion

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Misoprostol (Cytotec)

pharmacist

For ulcer prevention

  • Take misoprostol (Cytotec) four times a day with food to help lower your risk of diarrhea. For example, take it three times with meals and once at bedtime.

    • Let your prescriber know if you have a lot of side effects from misoprostol (Cytotec). Your dose might need to be lowered if it's too hard to tolerate.

      • If you stop taking NSAIDs, you can also stop taking misoprostol (Cytotec) because this medication is used to prevent stomach ulcers caused by NSAIDs.

        • Antacids can lower how much misoprostol (Cytotec) your body absorbs. Most people can take them together, but avoid magnesium-containing antacids like Mylanta, since they can worsen diarrhea.

          For medical abortion

          • Instead of swallowing misoprostol (Cytotec), place the pills either under your tongue or between your cheeks and gums for 30 minutes until they dissolve. Don’t eat or drink while the pill is dissolving, but drink water afterward to wash it down. You might need to repeat this step, depending on your prescriber’s instructions.

            • Expect stomach cramps and vaginal bleeding within 1 to 4 hours after taking misoprostol (Cytotec). If you don't have bleeding after 24 hours, let your prescriber know, because you might need another dose. Everyone’s experience is different.

              For labor induction

              • You'll either take misoprostol (Cytotec) by mouth or have it placed vaginally by a healthcare professional. Your prescriber will help decide the best way to start labor.

                faqs

                Frequently asked questions about Misoprostol (Cytotec)

                How long does misoprostol (Cytotec) take to work with NSAIDs?
                When taken with NSAIDs, misoprostol (Cytotec) starts working within 30 minutes after your first dose and can last for around 3 hours.
                Can you buy misoprostol (Cytotec) over the counter?
                No. You can't buy misoprostol (Cytotec) over the counter. It's only available with a prescription by a healthcare professional.
                How long does misoprostol (Cytotec) stay in your system?
                It takes about 1 to 3 hours for misoprostol (Cytotec) to fully leave your system. This is based on the medication's half-life, which is how long it takes for half of it to be cleared from your body. Keep in mind that everyone’s body works differently, so it might take a little more or less time for you.
                How do you stop diarrhea after taking misoprostol (Cytotec)?
                Diarrhea is one of the most common side effects of misoprostol (Cytotec), but it usually goes away within a few days. To help manage it, drink plenty of fluids, eat bland foods, and avoid greasy or spicy foods that can make symptoms worse. You can also lower your risk by taking misoprostol (Cytotec) with food and at bedtime. Avoid magnesium-containing antacids, like Mylanta, since they can make diarrhea worse. If your diarrhea is severe, lasts more than a few days, or makes you feel weak or dizzy, contact your prescriber right away.
                How long after taking misoprostol (Cytotec) can I drink alcohol?
                Talk to your prescriber about if you can drink alcohol while taking misoprostol (Cytotec). Alcohol might worsen certain side effects, like nausea and diarrhea. To stay safe, check with your prescriber before drinking alcohol while taking this medication.
                Why is misoprostol (Cytotec) used in pregnancy?
                Misoprostol (Cytotec) is sometimes used off-label during pregnancy for a medical abortion or to induce labor. It works by causing the uterus to contract and softening the cervix to help the body prepare for or complete the process. Because it can cause strong contractions, this medication should only be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
                How is misoprostol (Cytotec) used for pregnancy termination?
                Misoprostol (Cytotec) is used for pregnancy termination (medical abortion) by causing the uterus to contract and empty. It can be taken on its own or with another medication called mifepristone (Mifeprex). When used together, mifepristone is taken first, followed by a dose of misoprostol (Cytotec). The medication can be placed in your cheeks, under your tongue, or vaginally, depending on your prescriber's instructions. It’s important to follow your prescriber’s directions carefully and have medical support available in case of side effects.
                Does misoprostol (Cytotec) cause cramping?
                Yes. Misoprostol (Cytotec) can cause cramping. When used for a medical abortion or to induce later, the medication works by making your uterus contract. Cramping usually starts within a few hours after taking the medication. Your prescriber might recommend pain relief options to help make you more comfortable
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                What are the risks and warnings for Misoprostol (Cytotec)?

                Misoprostol (Cytotec) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

                risk-warning

                Harm to unborn baby if used for stomach ulcer prevention

                Misoprostol (Cytotec) shouldn't be used to prevent stomach ulcers if you're pregnant. This medication can cause serious pregnancy complications, including pregnancy loss, premature birth, birth defects, or damage to the uterus. Because of these risks, your prescriber might ask you to use birth control, take pregnancy tests, or start the medication after your next period to make sure you’re not pregnant. If you're pregnant and need to prevent ulcers from NSAIDs, talk to your prescriber about safer alternatives for you and your baby.

                However, misoprostol (Cytotec) can be used safely under medical supervision for medical abortion or labor induction. Your prescriber will explain exactly how and when to take it to make sure it’s used safely.

                dosage

                Misoprostol (Cytotec) dosage forms

                The average cost for 2 tablets of 200mcg of Misoprostol (Cytotec) is $4.34 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 70.92% off the average retail price of $14.93.
                tablet
                Tablet
                DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                100mcg2 tablets$3.17$1.58
                200mcg2 tablets$4.34$2.17

                Typical dosing for Misoprostol (Cytotec)

                • Reduce the risk of stomach ulcers: The typical dose is 200 mcg by mouth four times a day with food.

                • Medical abortion: It's taken either with mifepristone (Mifeprex) or on its own.

                • Labor induction: It's usually given in the hospital by a healthcare professional before labor at lower doses.

                interactions

                Interactions between Misoprostol (Cytotec) and other drugs

                Misoprostol (Cytotec) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Misoprostol (Cytotec). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

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                How much does Misoprostol (Cytotec) cost?

                To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
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                contraindications-icon

                Misoprostol (Cytotec) contraindications

                Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Misoprostol (Cytotec) will not be safe for you to take.

                • Use for ulcer prevention during pregnancy

                • History of allergy to prostaglandins

                alternatives

                What are alternatives to Misoprostol (Cytotec)?

                There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Misoprostol (Cytotec). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                Misoprostol (Cytotec)
                Used for:
                $3.17 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                Famotidine (Pepcid AC)
                Used for:

                • Prevention and treatment of heartburn (gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD)

                $6.60 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                Omeprazole (Prilosec)
                Used for:

                • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

                • Inflamed esophagus due to GERD

                $5.88 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
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                images

                Misoprostol (Cytotec) images

                White Round N 444 - Misoprostol 200mcg Tablet
                This medicine is White, Round, Scored Tablet Imprinted With "N 444".White Round N 444 - Misoprostol 200mcg Tablet
                White Round 10 07 - Misoprostol 200mcg Tablet
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                White Hexagon G 5008 - Misoprostol 200mcg Tablet
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                White Round 161 N - Misoprostol 200mcg Tablet
                This medicine is White, Round, Scored Tablet Imprinted With "161 N".White Round 161 N - Misoprostol 200mcg Tablet
                White Round N 444 - Misoprostol 200mcg Tablet
                This medicine is White, Round, Scored Tablet Imprinted With "N 444".White Round N 444 - Misoprostol 200mcg Tablet
                White Round N 444 - Misoprostol 200mcg Tablet
                This medicine is White, Round, Scored Tablet Imprinted With "N 444".White Round N 444 - Misoprostol 200mcg Tablet

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