Misoprostol (By Mouth)

Misoprostol (mye-soe-PROST-ole)

Prevents stomach ulcers and stomach irritation in patients taking pain and arthritis drugs, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, for long periods of time.

Brand Name(s):

Cytotec
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to misoprostol. This medicine can cause miscarriage if taken during pregnancy; YOU SHOULD NOT USE MISOPROSTOL IF YOU ARE PREGNANT OR BREASTFEEDING.

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to take and how often.
• Read the patient information sheet that comes with your medicine.
• Misoprostol should be taken with or after meals and at bedtime.
• If you cannot swallow the tablet whole, you may crush it.

If a dose is missed:

• Take your medicine as soon as you remember that you missed your dose, unless you are more than 2 hours late.
• If it is nearly time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose.
• You should not use two doses at one time.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.
• Never give your medicine to anyone else.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• You should not use antacids with magnesium in them (such as Maalox® or Mylanta®) while taking misoprostol.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• You should not use misoprostol if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Do not get pregnant while taking misoprostol. Use an effective form of birth control while you are taking misoprostol. Stop taking the medicine and tell your doctor right away if you think you might have become pregnant.
• Try to start taking this medicine on the 2nd or 3rd day after your period, or have a pregnancy test, to make sure you are not pregnant when you start misoprostol.
• Let your doctor know if you have ever had kidney problems, seizures, stomach ulcers, or Crohn's disease, colitis, or other bowel problems.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Vaginal bleeding after menopause
• Severe diarrhea

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Stomach pain, diarrhea that goes away after a few days
• Indigestion or gas
• Constipation
• Headache

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.