GENERIC NAME: misoprostol

BRAND NAME: Cytotec

DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Misoprostol is a synthetic prostaglandin. Prostaglandins are natural substances found in the stomach as well as in other organs of the human body. In the stomach, prostaglandins are believed to protect the inner stomach lining from the ulcer producing effects of acid, aspirin, and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), commonly used in the treatment of arthritis and other inflammatory conditions. Scientists now believe that aspirin and NSAIDs produce stomach ulceration mostly by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins in the stomach. Synthetic prostaglandin such as misoprostol given orally has been shown to protect the stomach lining from ulcerating effects of NSAIDs.

PRESCRIPTION: yes

GENERIC AVAILABLE: yes

PREPARATIONS: tablets: 100 mcg, 200 mcg.

STORAGE: Tablets should be kept in dry area, with temperature below 86 degrees F
(30 degrees C).

PRESCRIBED FOR: Misoprostol (Cytotec) is prescribed for the prevention of stomach ulceration and related ulcer complications (such as ulcer bleeding, obstruction, and perforation) in patients on aspirin and other NSAIDs medications. It is especially considered for patients who are at high risk of developing stomach ulcers and their complications while taking NSAIDs. These include elderly patients, patients with other debilitating illnesses (such as heart failure), patients with prior history of ulcer disease and bleeding.

DOSING: Cytotec is usually administered four times daily with food.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Misoprostol (Cytotec) should not be used in women of child bearing potential unless the patient requires NSAIDs therapy and is at high risk of developing stomach ulcers and ulcer complications.

PREGNANCY: Misoprostol (Cytotec) is not to be used by pregnant women because misoprostol may cause miscarriage.

NURSING MOTHERS: Misoprostol (Cytotec) is avoided in nursing mothers because of concern over causing diarrhea in the baby.

SIDE EFFECTS: Common side effects include diarrhea and abdominal pain. Diarrhea is more common with higher doses of the medication used, and usually goes away with continued administration. Rarely, profound and persistent diarrhea necessitates stopping the medication. Less common side effects include headache, menstrual cramps, nausea, flatulence.

Last Editorial Review: 12/31/1997

Printer-Friendly Format

|

Email to a Friend

From the Doctors at MedicineNet.com

diclofenac and misoprostol, Arthrotec - Arthrotec is a combination of diclofenac and misoprostol. Diclofenac is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) similar to ibuprofen (Motrin; Advil), naproxen (Naprosyn), and others. Arthrotec is used for treating signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis in patients at risk for developing ulcers from NSAIDs. Source:MedicineNet Rheumatoid Arthritis - Learn more about rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease that causes chronic joint inflammation, which has symptoms that include stiffness, fever, muscle and joint aches, loss of appetite, and fatigue. Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis incorporates the use of first-line drugs (aspirin and corticosteroids for pain and inflammation) and second-line drugs (methotrexate and hydroxychloroquine to prevent joint destruction and promote remission). Source:MedicineNet Lupus - Get information on lupus (SLE) disease treatment, signs, diagnosis, types of symptoms (butterfly, discoid rash), causes (genetic), pregnancy flares and statistics. Source:MedicineNet Read 19 more misoprostol related articles ... So Much to Do, So Little Sleep Head Injuries All Too Common in Summer Play Health Tip: The Word on Wisdom Teeth Health Tip: Make Exercise a Daily Habit New Source of Heart Stem Cells Found Health Highlights: June 23, 2008 Poorer Patients Have Poorer Survival After Cancer Diagnosis One Gene May Be Key to Myeloma Crocodile Babies Cry Out for Hatching Immune Molecule Key to Preventing Organ Rejection

Back to Medications Index