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misoprostol
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.
What is Misoprostol (Cytotec)?
What is Misoprostol (Cytotec) used for?
- Reduce the risk of stomach ulcers caused by NSAIDs - FDA-approved
- Medical abortion - Off-label
- Labor induction - Off-label
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.
When does Misoprostol (Cytotec) start working?Time passed since treatment started:
Drug facts
| Common Brands | Cytotec |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | Prostaglandin |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Not a controlled medication |
| Generic Status | Lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Prescription only |
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%)
Less Common 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:
H
D
W
M
Diarrhea
More on Misoprostol (Cytotec) side effects
The following Misoprostol (Cytotec) 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:
Incidence not known
Bladder pain
bloody nose
bloody or black, tarry stools
bloody or cloudy urine
blurred vision
body aches or pain
chills
confusion
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
frequent urge to urinate
headache
loss of voice
lower back or side pain
muscle pain or stiffness
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
severe stomach pain
shivering
slow or fast heartbeat
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:
Less common
Acid or sour stomach
belching
bloated
excess air or gas in the stomach or intestines
full feeling
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
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.
Get your GoodRx coupon
$7.55
GoodRx discount
$5.24
Pros and cons of Misoprostol (Cytotec)
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
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 for Misoprostol (Cytotec)
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.
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.
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.
Misoprostol (Cytotec) dosage
The average cost for 8 tablets of 200mcg of Misoprostol (Cytotec) is $13.14 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 26.18% off the average retail price of $17.80.
Typical dosage 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 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.
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.
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.
How much does Misoprostol (Cytotec) cost?
To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
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
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.
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Misoprostol (Cytotec) images
