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.

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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.