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Home > Medicines & Drugs > Misoprostol

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Misoprostol

  • Misoprostol is used to prevent and treat stomach ulcers.
  • It is very important that women do not become pregnant whilst being treated with misoprostol. If you are a woman of childbearing age you must take effective contraceptive measures. Ask your doctor if you are unsure.

About misoprostol

Type of medicineProstaglandin analogues (anti-ulcer agent)
Used forTreatment of stomach or duodenum ulcers
Prevention of stomach irritation and ulceration caused by NSAIDs (Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)
Also calledCytotec®
Available asTablets

Misoprostol works by being similar to substances (called prostaglandins) that your body makes in the stomach and intestine. These prostaglandins help to protect the lining of the stomach.
Misoprostol may help prevent you getting ulcers in your stomach or the part it empties into (called the duodenum). These ulcers could be caused by taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like diclofenac and naproxen. NSAIDs may reduce the natural amount of prostaglandins in your stomach and intestine. This can cause indigestion and lead to ulcers forming. The misoprostol tablets will replace these prostaglandins and help to protect your stomach and intestine, so you can continue getting benefit from your NSAID.

Before taking misoprostol

Before taking misoprostol make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you have low or high blood pressure, or any disease of the blood vessels or heart.
  • If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
  • If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.

How to take misoprostol

  • Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
  • Take your medication exactly as directed by your doctor.
  • Try to take misoprostol at the same times each day to avoid missing any doses.
  • If you forget to take a dose, take one as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up. If in doubt, speak to your pharmacist or doctor.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • Take each dose with or immediately after food.
  • Do not take antacid indigestion remedies at the same time of day as misoprostol. Take indigestion remedies at least two hours before or two hours after a dose of misoprostol.
  • It is very important that women do not become pregnant whilst being treated with misoprostol. If you are a woman of childbearing age you must take effective contraceptive measures. Ask your doctor if you are unsure.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • Keep your regular doctor's appointment so your progress can be monitored.
  • Do not stop taking this medicine without speaking to your doctor first.
  • If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.

Can misoprostol cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicineWhat can I do if I experience this
DizzinessMake sure you are unaffected before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were to become dizzy
Vaginal bleeding and bleeding between periodsSpeak to your doctor or pharmacist
Feeling sick and being sickStick to simple foods such as dry toast
DiarrhoeaMake sure you take misoprostol tablets after food to minimise this. Drink plenty of water to replace lost fluids. Avoid antacids that contain magnesium.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store misoprostol

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


  • Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

  • Manufacturer's PIL, Cytotec®, Pharmacia Ltd, electronic Medicines Compendium, Approved July 2008, accessed 03 November 2008
  • British National Formulary; 56th Edition (September 2008) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London (link to current BNF).
Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk
© EMIS 2008DocID:
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dils2046		Last Reviewed:
11 Nov 2008		Version:
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