What is Misoprostol?
Misoprostol reduces stomach acid and replaces protective substances in the stomach that are inhibited by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and aspirin.
Misoprostol is used to prevent the formation of ulcers in the stomach during treatment with aspirin or an NSAID such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, Nuprin, others), ketoprofen (Orudis, Orudis KT, Oruvail), naproxen (Naprosyn, Aleve, Anaprox, Naprelan), oxaprozin (Daypro), indomethacin (Indocin), diclofenac (Voltaren, Cataflam), etodolac (Lodine), piroxicam (Feldene), meloxicam (Mobic), tolmetin (Tolectin), nabumetone (Relafen), and fenoprofen (Nalfon). NSAIDs and aspirin are used to treat pain, fever, arthritis, and inflammatory conditions.
Misoprostol may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about Misoprostol?
Do not take misoprostol for the prevention of stomach ulcers if you are pregnant or if you might become pregnant during treatment. If you do become pregnant during treatment with misoprostol, stop taking the medication and contact your doctor immediately. Misoprostol is in the FDA pregnancy category X. This means that misoprostol is known to be harmful to an unborn baby. Misoprostol can cause miscarriage or spontaneous abortion (sometimes incomplete which could lead to dangerous bleeding and require hospitalization and surgery), premature birth, or birth defects. Misoprostol has also been reported to cause uterine rupture (tearing) when given after the eighth week of pregnancy, which can result in severe bleeding, hysterectomy, and/or maternal or fetal death. A pregnancy test with negative results will be required within 2 weeks of starting treatment with misoprostol, and treatment will begin only on the second or third day of a regular menstrual cycle. Also, appropriate contraception will be needed to prevent pregnancy during treatment and for one menstrual cycle following treatment. In some cases, misoprostol may be used under the supervision of a doctor for the induction of labor and delivery or abortion.
Do not share this medication with anyone else. Misoprostol has been prescribed for your specific condition, may not be the correct treatment for another person, and would be dangerous if the other person were pregnant.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Misoprostol?
Before taking misoprostol, tell your doctor if you have inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, or other intestinal problems. You may need a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment with misoprostol.
Do not take misoprostol for the prevention of stomach ulcers if you are pregnant or if you might become pregnant during treatment. If you do become pregnant during treatment with misoprostol, stop taking the medication and contact your doctor immediately. Misoprostol is in the FDA pregnancy category X. This means that misoprostol is known to be harmful to an unborn baby. Misoprostol can cause miscarriage or spontaneous abortion (sometimes incomplete which could lead to dangerous bleeding and require hospitalization and surgery), premature birth, or birth defects. Misoprostol has also been reported to cause uterine rupture (tearing) when given after the eighth week of pregnancy, which can result in severe bleeding, hysterectomy, and/or maternal or fetal death. A pregnancy test with negative results will be required within 2 weeks of starting treatment with misoprostol, and treatment will begin only on the second or third day of a regular menstrual cycle. Also, appropriate contraception will be needed to prevent pregnancy during treatment and for one menstrual cycle following treatment. In some cases, misoprostol may be used under the supervision of a doctor for the induction of labor and delivery or abortion.
It is not known whether misoprostol passes into breast milk. Do not take misoprostol without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Misoprostol Side Effects
What are the possible side effects of Misoprostol?
Stop taking misoprostol and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives).
Misoprostol may cause mild to moderate diarrhea, stomach cramps, and/or nausea. These problems usually occur during the first few weeks of treatment and stop after about a week. The occurrence of diarrhea may be minimized by taking misoprostol with food. Contact your doctor if these symptoms persist for longer than 8 days or if they are severe.
Other, less serious side effects may also occur. Continue to take misoprostol and talk to your doctor if you experience
- vomiting
- flatulence
- constipation
- headache; or
- menstrual cramps, spotting, or increased or irregular menstruation
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Misoprostol Interactions
What other drugs affect Misoprostol?
The incidence of diarrhea may be reduced by avoiding antacids that contain magnesium. If an antacid is needed, one that contains aluminum or calcium may be a more appropriate choice.
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with misoprostol. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products.
What should I avoid while taking Misoprostol?
Do not share this medication with anyone else. Misoprostol has been prescribed for your specific condition, may not be the correct treatment for another person, and would be dangerous if the other person were pregnant.
The incidence of diarrhea may be reduced by avoiding antacids that contain magnesium. If an antacid is needed, one that contains aluminum or calcium may be a more appropriate choice.
There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or activities during treatment with misoprostol unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
Misoprostol Dosage
How should I take Misoprostol?
Take misoprostol exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Take each dose with a full glass of water.
Misoprostol is usually taken four times a day, with meals and at bedtime. Follow your doctor’s instructions.
Misoprostol may cause mild to moderate diarrhea, stomach cramps, and/or nausea. These problems usually occur during the first few weeks of treatment and stop after about a week. The occurrence of diarrhea may be minimized by taking misoprostol with food. Contact your doctor if these symptoms persist for longer than 8 days or if they are severe.
Take misoprostol for the full amount of time prescribed by your doctor. Treatment usually continues for as long as aspirin or an NSAID is taken.
Do not share this medication with anyone else. Misoprostol has been prescribed for your specific condition, may not be the correct treatment for another person, and would be dangerous if the other person were pregnant.
Store misoprostol at room temperature away from moisture and heat
What happens if I overdose on Misoprostol?
Seek emergency medical attention.
The symptoms of a misoprostol overdose are not well known but might include stomach upset, stomach pain, diarrhea, drowsiness, tremor, seizures, difficulty breathing, fever, low blood pressure, and an irregular heart beat.
What happens if I miss a dose of Misoprostol?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.
Edited from everydayhealth.com
What is Misoprostol?
Misoprostol reduces stomach acid and replaces protective substances in the stomach that are inhibited by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and aspirin.
Misoprostol is used to prevent the formation of ulcers in the stomach during treatment with aspirin or an NSAID such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, Nuprin, others), ketoprofen (Orudis, Orudis KT, Oruvail), naproxen (Naprosyn, Aleve, Anaprox, Naprelan), oxaprozin (Daypro), indomethacin (Indocin), diclofenac (Voltaren, Cataflam), etodolac (Lodine), piroxicam (Feldene), meloxicam (Mobic), tolmetin (Tolectin), nabumetone (Relafen), and fenoprofen (Nalfon). NSAIDs and aspirin are used to treat pain, fever, arthritis, and inflammatory conditions.
Misoprostol may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about Misoprostol?
Do not take misoprostol for the prevention of stomach ulcers if you are pregnant or if you might become pregnant during treatment. If you do become pregnant during treatment with misoprostol, stop taking the medication and contact your doctor immediately. Misoprostol is in the FDA pregnancy category X. This means that misoprostol is known to be harmful to an unborn baby. Misoprostol can cause miscarriage or spontaneous abortion (sometimes incomplete which could lead to dangerous bleeding and require hospitalization and surgery), premature birth, or birth defects. Misoprostol has also been reported to cause uterine rupture (tearing) when given after the eighth week of pregnancy, which can result in severe bleeding, hysterectomy, and/or maternal or fetal death. A pregnancy test with negative results will be required within 2 weeks of starting treatment with misoprostol, and treatment will begin only on the second or third day of a regular menstrual cycle. Also, appropriate contraception will be needed to prevent pregnancy during treatment and for one menstrual cycle following treatment. In some cases, misoprostol may be used under the supervision of a doctor for the induction of labor and delivery or abortion.
Do not share this medication with anyone else. Misoprostol has been prescribed for your specific condition, may not be the correct treatment for another person, and would be dangerous if the other person were pregnant.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Misoprostol?
Before taking misoprostol, tell your doctor if you have inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, or other intestinal problems. You may need a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment with misoprostol.
Do not take misoprostol for the prevention of stomach ulcers if you are pregnant or if you might become pregnant during treatment. If you do become pregnant during treatment with misoprostol, stop taking the medication and contact your doctor immediately. Misoprostol is in the FDA pregnancy category X. This means that misoprostol is known to be harmful to an unborn baby. Misoprostol can cause miscarriage or spontaneous abortion (sometimes incomplete which could lead to dangerous bleeding and require hospitalization and surgery), premature birth, or birth defects. Misoprostol has also been reported to cause uterine rupture (tearing) when given after the eighth week of pregnancy, which can result in severe bleeding, hysterectomy, and/or maternal or fetal death. A pregnancy test with negative results will be required within 2 weeks of starting treatment with misoprostol, and treatment will begin only on the second or third day of a regular menstrual cycle. Also, appropriate contraception will be needed to prevent pregnancy during treatment and for one menstrual cycle following treatment. In some cases, misoprostol may be used under the supervision of a doctor for the induction of labor and delivery or abortion.
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It is not known whether misoprostol passes into breast milk. Do not take misoprostol without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.