MISOPROSTOL - ORAL
PHONETIC PRONUNCIATION: (MYE-soe-PROST-ol)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Cytotec
GENERIC NAME(S): misoprostol
Uses
USES: This medication is used to prevent stomach ulcers while you take NSAIDs (e.g., aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen), especially if you are at risk for developing ulcers or have a history of ulcers. Misoprostol helps to decrease your risk of serious ulcer complications such as bleeding. This medication protects your stomach lining by lowering the amount of acid that comes in contact with it. This medication is also used in combination with another drug (mifepristone) to end a pregnancy (abortion).
How to use MISOPROSTOL - ORAL
HOW TO USE: This medicine comes with a patient information leaflet. Read it carefully. If you have any questions about this drug, ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. If you are taking this drug to prevent stomach ulcers, take it by mouth usually four times a day, after meals and at bedtime to minimize diarrhea, or as directed by your doctor. If you are taking this medication for abortion, take it by mouth exactly as directed by your doctor. If you are using this medication to start labor, your healthcare professional will insert it into your vagina. Avoid taking antacids that contain magnesium while using misoprostol because they may make the diarrhea it causes worse. If you need an antacid, consult your doctor or pharmacist to help you choose a product. For ulcer prevention, continue to take this drug for as long as you take NSAIDs. Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to use it at the same times each day. Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.
Side Effects
Precautions
Interactions
Overdose
Images
- color
- white
- shape
- 6 sided
- imprint
- SEARLE 1461, a double stomach
- color
- white
- shape
- 6 sided
- imprint
- SEARLE 1461, a double stomach
Reviews
Faq for MISOPROSTOL - ORAL
Misoprostol is a medication that is used to prevent stomach ulcers in patients who take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen.
Misoprostol works by decreasing the amount of acid produced in the stomach and increasing the protective mucus lining of the stomach. This helps prevent and heal stomach ulcers.
Common side effects of misoprostol may include nausea, stomach cramps, diarrhea, headache, and vaginal bleeding.
You should follow the instructions provided by your doctor or pharmacist. Typically, misoprostol is taken four times a day after meals and at bedtime. It is important to take the medication with food to minimize stomach upset.
No, misoprostol should not be used during pregnancy as it can cause serious birth defects and pregnancy complications. It is important to use effective contraception while taking misoprostol.
You should consult with your doctor if you have a history of digestive problems before taking misoprostol. Misoprostol may aggravate certain conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease or intestinal blockage.
The effects of misoprostol may be noticed within a few hours, but it may take a few weeks for the full benefits to be seen. Follow the prescribed dosage and continue taking the medication as directed by your healthcare provider.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose.
Yes, misoprostol can interact with certain medications such as antacids, certain antibiotics, drugs that affect the liver, and certain drugs used to treat diabetes. It is important to inform your doctor or pharmacist about all the medications you are currently taking to avoid any potential interactions.
Warning
WARNING: Do not take this medication if you think that you may be pregnant. It may cause abortion, premature birth, or birth defects. In rare cases, serious complications (e.g., uterine rupture) have occurred when misoprostol was used to start labor or when used in combination with another drug to cause abortion after the eighth week of pregnancy. These complications have resulted in harm to the unborn baby and mother. Avoid pregnancy while taking misoprostol and for at least one month or one completed menstrual cycle after you have stopped treatment. If you become pregnant while taking misoprostol, contact your doctor right away. If you are pregnant, do not take this medication to reduce the risk of stomach ulcers due to aspirin or other related drugs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs-NSAIDs such as ibuprofen). Also, if you are of childbearing age, do not use this drug to reduce the risk of ulcers from NSAIDs unless you are at high risk of having an ulcer or ulcer complications. Female patients must meet the following four requirements in order to use this drug: 1) test negative for pregnancy within two weeks before starting treatment; 2) use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy; 3) receive oral and written warnings on the dangers of using misoprostol while of childbearing age and the risks of possible birth control failure; 4) start taking misoprostol only on the second or third day of the next normal menstrual period. This medication must not be shared with others.
Disclaimer
IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.
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