Drug Status in USA : Approved Drug Status in Canada : Approved
pronunciation
pronounced as (mye soe prost' ole)
Why is this medication prescribed?
Misoprostol is used to prevent ulcers in people who take certain arthritis or pain medicines, including aspirin, that can cause ulcers. It protects the stomach lining and decreases stomach acid secretion.
How should this medicine be used?
Misoprostol comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken 4 times a day, after meals and at bedtime with food. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take misoprostol exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Misoprostol must be taken regularly to be effective. Women should not take their first dose until the second or third day of their menstrual period (to be sure that they are not pregnant). Do not stop taking misoprostol without talking to your doctor.
What are the precautions to be followed?
Before taking misoprostol,
tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to misoprostol or any other drugs.
tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially antacids, aspirin, arthritis medications, and vitamins.
tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding.
What are possible side effects of this medication ?
Misoprostol may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
diarrhea
headache
stomach pain
upset stomach
gas
vomiting
constipation
indigestion
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
vomiting blood
bloody or black, tarry stools
How to store the medication and dispose it of after its use later?
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
Drug Category/Class
Oxytocics
Abortifacient Agents, Nonsteroidal
Abortifacient Agents
Prostaglandins
Genito Urinary System and Sex Hormones
Uterotonics
Antiinflammatory and Antirheumatic Products, Non-Steroids
Antiinflammatory and Antirheumatic Products
Propionic Acid Derivatives
Anti-Ulcer Agents
Drugs for Peptic Ulcer and Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux Disease (Gord)
Drugs for Acid Related Disorder
Prescribed
Indicated for the treatment of ulceration (duodenal, gastric and NSAID induced) and prophylaxis for NSAID induced ulceration. Misoprostol is also ...