Misoprostol: Ulcer Uses, Side Effects, and Dosage (original) (raw)
Generic Name: misoprostol
Brand Name: Cytotec
Drug Class: Gastrointestinal Agents, Other
What is misoprostol, and what is it used for?
Misoprostol is a synthetic (man-made) prostaglandin that is used to reduce the risk of stomach ulcers in patients treated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, for example, aspirin, ibuprofen, etc.) that are used for pain and various inflammatory conditions, for example, arthritis. Misoprostol is used primarily in patients at high risk for stomach ulcers when treated with NSAIDs, for example, the elderly, patients with concomitant debilitating diseases, and patients with a history of ulcers.
Prostaglandins are chemicals that are made within many organs of the body including the stomach. In the stomach, prostaglandins are believed to protect the inner lining of the stomach from the ulcer-producing effects of NSAIDs. Scientists now believe that NSAIDs produce ulceration by preventing the production of prostaglandins in the stomach. Synthetic prostaglandins such as misoprostol given orally "replace" the prostaglandins whose production is inhibited by NSAIDs and have been shown to protect the lining of the stomach from NSAID-induced ulcers. Misoprostol was approved by the FDA in December 1988.
What are the side effects of misoprostol?
Common side effects include diarrhea and abdominal pain. Diarrhea is more common with higher doses and usually resolves with continued administration. Rarely, profound and persistent diarrhea necessitates stopping the drug. Less common side effects include headache, menstrual cramps, nausea, and flatulence. Allergic reactions have also been reported.
QUESTION Pancreatitis is inflammation of an organ in the abdomen called the pancreas. See Answer
What is the dosage for misoprostol?
The recommended adult oral dose for reducing the risk of NSAID-induced gastric ulcers is 200 mcg four times daily (every 6 hours) with food. If this dose cannot be tolerated, a dose of 100 mcg every 6 hours can be used. The last dose should be taken at bedtime.
For termination of pregnancy the dose is 400 mcg once if abortion has not occurred within 3 days of receiving mifepristone (Mifeprex).
Which drugs interact with misoprostol?
Misoprostol has no clinically important drug interactions.
Is misoprostol safe to take while pregnant or breastfeeding?
Misoprostol should never be used during pregnancy since it can cause abortion, premature birth, or birth defects. Uterine rupture has been reported when misoprostol was administered to pregnant women to induce labor or to induce abortion beyond the eighth week of pregnancy.
It is not known if misoprostol is excreted in human milk; however it should not be administered to nursing mothers because it could cause significant diarrhea in nursing infants.
What else should I know about misoprostol?
What preparations of misoprostol are available?
Tablets: 100 and 200 mcg.
How should I store misoprostol?
Tablets should be kept in a dry area with temperatures at or below 25 C (77 F)
Health News
Summary
Misoprostol is a drug prescribed for the treatment of the pain and inflammation of conditions such as arthritis, and for the prevention of stomach ulcers in patient's treated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Review side effects, drug interactions, warnings and precautions, and patient safety information prior to taking any medication.
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Related Disease Conditions
- Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that causes chronic inflammation of the joints, the tissue around the joints, as well as other organs in the body.
- Arthritis (Joint Inflammation) Arthritis is inflammation of one or more joints. When joints are inflamed they can develop stiffness, warmth, swelling, redness and pain. There are over 100 types of arthritis, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, and gout.
- Lupus (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus or SLE) Lupus is a condition characterized by chronic inflammation of body tissues caused by autoimmune disease. Lupus can cause disease of the skin, heart, lungs, kidneys, joints, and nervous system. When internal organs are involved, the condition is called systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). When only the skin is involved, the condition is called discoid lupus.
- Peptic Ulcer Peptic or stomach ulcers are ulcers in the lining of the stomach, duodenum, or esophagus. Learn about symptoms, causes, diet, and treatment.
- Pain Management The goal of pain management for each patient is to minimize suffering and improve quality of life. This goal may be different depending on the patient’s circumstances and disease or injury.
- Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs and Ulcers Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are prescribed medications for the treatment of inflammatory conditions. Examples of NSAIDs include aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, and more. One common side effect of NSAIDs is peptic ulcer (ulcers of the esophagus, stomach, or duodenum). Side effects, drug interactions, warnings and precautions, and patient safety information should be reviewed prior to taking NSAIDs.
- Do Stomach Ulcers Go Away? Stomach ulcers are sores on the inner lining of the stomach. Stomach ulcer symptoms may go away after some time, but the ulcer may still be there.
Treatment & Diagnosis
Medications & Supplements
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Medically Reviewed on 1/30/2024
References
FDA Prescribing Information