Misoprostol
Pronounced my-so-PROS-tol
Brand names: Cytotec
Type: Prostaglandin (ulcer protector and uterotonic) · All Digestive (GI) Medicines
What Misoprostol is used for
- Preventing stomach ulcers in people taking NSAIDs
- Inducing labor and treating postpartum bleeding (hospital)
- Medical abortion, combined with mifepristone
Common side effects
- Diarrhea
- Stomach cramps
- Nausea
- Headache
Important cautions
- Causes uterine contractions — for ulcer prevention it must never be taken during pregnancy, as it can cause miscarriage
- When used for labor or pregnancy care it is given under medical supervision
How it comes
Tablets. This guide lists forms only — it never lists strengths or doses.
Related medicines — Digestive (GI) Medicines
Condition guides on MedicalVideos.com
- Pregnancy — videos, articles and guides · medicines for pregnancy
- Fertility — videos, articles and guides · medicines for fertility
Please note: This page is a patient-education summary, not medical advice, and it deliberately contains no doses. Medicines affect everyone differently — always follow your own prescription and talk to your doctor or pharmacist before starting, stopping or changing any medicine.