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What is Misoprostol
MisoprostolThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryMisoprostol is a drug that works by activating prostaglandin receptors in the stomach and uterus. It is used to reduce the risk of ulcers caused by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, to manage miscarriages, to prevent postpartum bleeding, and for first trimester abortions. Misoprostol was approved by the FDA in 1988.
Cytotecis the brand name
Misoprostol Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Cytotec
Misoprostol
1986
109
Approved as Treatment by the FDA
Misoprostol, also known as Cytotec, is approved by the FDA for 4 uses which include NSAID use and Gastric Ulcer .NSAID use
Gastric Ulcer
prophylaxis of Gastric ulcer
Medically induced abortion
Used to treat Medically induced abortion in combination with Mifepristone
Effectiveness
How Misoprostol Affects PatientsMisoprostol is a drug that is used to reduce the risk of stomach ulcers caused by taking NSAIDs. It can also be used to treat miscarriages or abortions. Depending on how it is taken, the drug starts working between 8-100 minutes and lasts for about 2-4 hours.
How Misoprostol works in the bodyMisoprostol is a drug similar to prostaglandin that works to reduce the amount of acid in the stomach and increase protective secretions like mucus. It also acts on the lining of the uterus to increase contractions, loosen the cervix, and break down collagen.
When to interrupt dosage
The amount of Misoprostol is contingent upon the diagnosed condition, including Incomplete Abortion, prophylaxis of Gastric ulcer and Missed Abortion. The dose may differ, in line with the procedure of administration (e.g. Tablet - Oral or Oral) featured in the table underneath.Condition
Dosage
Administration
NSAID use
0.2 mg, , 0.1 mg
, Oral, Tablet, delayed release, Tablet, delayed release - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Buccal; Oral, Kit; Tablet, Kit; Tablet - Buccal; Oral
Labour
0.2 mg, , 0.1 mg
, Oral, Tablet, delayed release, Tablet, delayed release - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Buccal; Oral, Kit; Tablet, Kit; Tablet - Buccal; Oral
Medically induced abortion
0.2 mg, , 0.1 mg
, Oral, Tablet, delayed release, Tablet, delayed release - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Buccal; Oral, Kit; Tablet, Kit; Tablet - Buccal; Oral
Postpartum Haemorrhage (PPH)
0.2 mg, , 0.1 mg
, Oral, Tablet, delayed release, Tablet, delayed release - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Buccal; Oral, Kit; Tablet, Kit; Tablet - Buccal; Oral
Cervix Uteri
0.2 mg, , 0.1 mg
, Oral, Tablet, delayed release, Tablet, delayed release - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Buccal; Oral, Kit; Tablet, Kit; Tablet - Buccal; Oral
prophylaxis of Gastric ulcer
0.2 mg, , 0.1 mg
, Oral, Tablet, delayed release, Tablet, delayed release - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Buccal; Oral, Kit; Tablet, Kit; Tablet - Buccal; Oral
Missed Abortion
0.2 mg, , 0.1 mg
, Oral, Tablet, delayed release, Tablet, delayed release - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Buccal; Oral, Kit; Tablet, Kit; Tablet - Buccal; Oral
Incomplete Abortion
0.2 mg, , 0.1 mg
, Oral, Tablet, delayed release, Tablet, delayed release - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Buccal; Oral, Kit; Tablet, Kit; Tablet - Buccal; Oral
Gastric Ulcer
0.2 mg, , 0.1 mg
, Oral, Tablet, delayed release, Tablet, delayed release - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Buccal; Oral, Kit; Tablet, Kit; Tablet - Buccal; Oral
Induction of Labour
0.2 mg, , 0.1 mg
, Oral, Tablet, delayed release, Tablet, delayed release - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Buccal; Oral, Kit; Tablet, Kit; Tablet - Buccal; Oral
Postpartum Hemorrhage
0.2 mg, , 0.1 mg
, Oral, Tablet, delayed release, Tablet, delayed release - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Buccal; Oral, Kit; Tablet, Kit; Tablet - Buccal; Oral
Warnings
Misoprostol has one contraindication. It should not be employed when dealing with the conditions detailed in the following table.Misoprostol ContraindicationsCondition
Risk Level
Notes
Pulse Frequency
Do Not Combine
Common Misoprostol Drug Interactions
Drug Name
Risk Level
Description
Carbetocin
Major
The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Misoprostol is combined with Carbetocin.
Oxytocin
Major
The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Misoprostol is combined with Oxytocin.
Misoprostol Toxicity & Overdose RiskThe lowest toxic dose of misoprostol in rats has been found to be 81mg/kg and 27mg/kg in mice. Signs of an overdose may include drowsiness, trembling, seizures, difficulty breathing, abdominal pain, diarrhea, fever, heart palpitations, low blood pressure, and slow heart rate. Hemodialysis is not likely to help in overdosing on misoprostol but activated charcoal may help reduce absorption. Treatment for an overdose may include removing any undissolved tablets from the mouth or vagina, giving intravenous fluids, taking acetaminophen, diazepam, haloperidol,
Misoprostol Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Misoprostol?
Three ongoing studies are investigating Misoprostol's potential for Medically induced abortion, Gastric ulcer prophylaxis and NSAID use.Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
Labour
2 Actively Recruiting
Phase 4, Phase 3
prophylaxis of Gastric ulcer
0 Actively Recruiting
Cervix Uteri
0 Actively Recruiting
NSAID use
0 Actively Recruiting
Medically induced abortion
1 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable
Postpartum Haemorrhage (PPH)
3 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2, Not Applicable
Missed Abortion
0 Actively Recruiting
Gastric Ulcer
1 Actively Recruiting
Phase 4
Induction of Labour
0 Actively Recruiting
Postpartum Hemorrhage
0 Actively Recruiting
Incomplete Abortion
0 Actively Recruiting
Misoprostol Reviews: What are patients saying about Misoprostol?
5Patient Review
10/23/2022 After taking the first set of pills, I took four more 24 hours later. Almost immediately, I started feeling intense cramping which was only alleviated somewhat by sitting on the toilet. In addition to this, I passed large clots and experienced heavy bleeding. Despite all of this, I can say that the pain is manageable now and the bleeding has slowed down significantly.
5Patient Review
11/12/2022 Though I can't speak for everyone, this treatment wasn't as bad as some of the reviews made it out to be. For me, there was constant cramping, but heating pad and baths helped a lot. I was even able to eat during the treatment!
5Patient Review
10/31/2022 I took the medication as directed and experienced mild cramping around 1pm. I began bleeding shortly thereafter and passed a number of clots. Overall, it wasn't as bad as I had anticipated based on other reviews I had read.
3.7Patient Review
11/13/2022 The effects were great for the first few hours, then I started to feel really bad. I was in a lot of pain and crying for many hours into the next day.