Misoprostol Uses, Side Effects, Dosage and Mechanism of Action
Written by Medicover Team and Medically Reviewed by Dr Lalitya Swarna Pethakamsetty, Gynecology
Misoprostol is a medicine used to treat stomach ulcers, abortion, and labor induction. It is commonly used to protect the stom
Misoprostol is a medicine used to treat stomach ulcers, abortion, and labor induction. It is commonly used to protect the stomach lining, manage pregnancy-related conditions, and treat postpartum bleeding. It is marketed under the Cytotec name. It is used alone, either with mifepristone or methotrexate, for abortions.
Misoprostol offers multiple medical benefits depending on the condition being treated.
This medication helps in treating or managing a variety of health issues.
Apart from its main purposes, misoprostol may be used in special situations.
Misoprostol works by mimicking prostaglandins-natural substances in your body that help control several functions.
It protects the stomach by:
In pregnancy-related uses:
Misoprostol is typically available in tablet form, with the following dosage strengths used for different medical purposes:
| Form | Strengths Available | Route of Administration | Common Uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tablet | 100 mcg | Oral, Vaginal, Sublingual, Buccal | Prevention of gastric ulcers, labor induction, medical abortion |
| Tablet | 200 mcg | Oral, Vaginal, Sublingual, Buccal | Medical abortion, labor induction, postpartum bleeding management |
Note: The 200 mcg tablet is most commonly used, especially in gynecological and obstetric care. Always use under medical supervision.
Taking too much misoprostol can lead to serious health risks.
Symptoms may include:
Seek immediate medical help if you suspect an overdose.
Get a second opinion from trusted experts and makeconfident, informed decisions.
Get Second OpinionWhile misoprostol is effective, it may cause some side effects in certain individuals.
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately.
Before using Misoprostol, it is important to follow specific precautions to ensure your safety and reduce the risk of complications:
Share your complete medical history before starting this medicine, especially if you have:
Drug interactions can reduce effectiveness or increase risk of side effects.
Misoprostol may interact with:
There are no major known interactions, but always consult your doctor about any medications, supplements, or herbal products you are using.
What Happens If Misoprostol Is Not Stored Properly?
Improper storage can reduce its effectiveness and safety.
Exposure to heat or moisture may degrade the medicine, leading to reduced potency or unexpected side effects.
Misoprostol and mifepristone tablets uses include medical termination of early pregnancy, where they are commonly prescribed together to safely induce abortion by blocking pregnancy hormones and stimulating uterine contractions.
| Misoprostol | Mifepristone |
|---|---|
| Formula: C22H38O5 | Formula: C29H35NO2 |
| Brand name Cytotec | Drug class- Antiprogestogen; Antiglucocorticoid |
| Molar mass: 382.5 g/mol | Molecular Weight: 429.6 g/mol |
| Is a medicine used to prevent and treat stomach ulcers, start work, cause abortion, and treat postpartum bleeding due to poor contraction of the uterus. | Is a medication that is used in combination with misoprostol to bring abortion during pregnancy. |

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040-68334455Fetal tissue and the uterine lining would be loosened by misoprostol. The uterus will contract and, within a few hours, the cervix will dilate. It will cause bleeding and cramping as the tissue moves through the body.
Cramping and bleeding triggers this drug to drain the uterus. Cramping and bleeding typically begin 1-4 hours after misoprostol is taken in most individuals.
For improved effectiveness, vaginal administration of misoprostol is recommended. The prescribed dose of misoprostol is vaginally injected at 800 mcg (4 200-mcg tablets). The results of the study have shown that vaginal administration is more successful than oral misoprostol usage.
During pregnancy, Cytotec can cause the uterus to tear (uterine rupture). As the pregnancy progresses and if you have undergone surgery on the uterus, such as Cesarean delivery, the risk of uterine rupture increases. Extreme bleeding, hysterectomy, and/or maternal or fetal death may result in uterine rupture (tearing).
To allow the tablets to dissolve, lie down for about 30 minutes after you insert the misoprostol tablets. You can push them back in again if you notice the tablets falling out, or call us for instructions on what to do.
The side effects are common, typically lasting just 1 to 4 hours. If any of these side effects make you very uncomfortable, over-the-counter medicines can treat your symptoms. If over-the-counter treatments do not ease the symptoms, call them.
Cytotec is a brand name for the drug Misoprostol. They are the same medication, used to prevent ulcers and manage pregnancy-related conditions.
Misoprostol does not cause permanent infertility. It may affect the uterus temporarily, but normal fertility usually returns after use.
The maximum dose of misoprostol varies based on its use. For preventing gastric ulcers, it's typically 800 mcg per day (in divided doses). For medical abortion or labor induction, dosing depends on clinical guidelines and must be prescribed by a doctor. Always follow medical advice to avoid complications.
Misoprostol medicine is typically prescribed to adults. It should not be used without medical guidance in children or the elderly unless clearly advised by a doctor.
Disclaimer: The information provided is accurate and up-to-date to the best of our knowledge. However, it should not be considered a substitute for medical advice or consultation. We do not guarantee its completeness or accuracy. The absence of specific warnings does not mean a medicine is safe for all users. We are not responsible for any outcomes based on this information and strongly recommend consulting a doctor for any medical concerns or questions.