Misoprostol

Misoprostol (Cytotec) belongs to a family of anti – ulcer medications called prostaglandin PGE1 analogs and may be described as a water – soluble, viscous liquid.

Furthermore, if you are a woman of childbearing age, you may take Misoprostol (Cytotec) to prevent ulcers but, only if your pregnancy test has showed negative in the past two weeks, and provided you are using a reliable method of birth control while taking this medication.

Lastly, you must be sure to begin taking Misoprostol (Cytotec) on the second or third day of your menstrual period.

Misoprostol (Cytotec) may be described as a synthetic prostaglandin and is used to help effectively prevent and treat gastric ulcers, peptic ulcers, prophylaxis of NSAID induced ulcers and ulcers caused by medications used to treat arthritis.

Furthermore, Misoprostol (Cytotec) may also be used to help dilate the cervix (opening of the uterus or womb) in women prior to uterine surgery, such as hysteroscopy or D&C.

Lastly, Misoprostol (Cytotec) is commonly used to help induction of labor during pregnancy and is also used in combination with other medications, such as Mifepristone to terminate a pregnancy.

Misoprostol (Cytotec) is available in tablet form, which must be taken by mouth, usually swallowed whole with a glass of water and may be taken with food. However, you must be certain to take this medication exactly as directed, making sure to follow the directions on the prescription label carefully and ask your health care professional or pharmacist to explain any part of Misoprostol (Cytotec) you do not understand.

Furthermore, you must be sure to take your Misoprostol (Cytotec) dose at regular intervals and usually at bedtime. If you are taking this medication to prevent stomach ulcers and minimize diarrhea, take it four times a day, usually after meals or at bedtime.

If you are taking this medication in the case of abortion, take it by mouth and exactly as directed by your health care professional.

If you are using Misoprostol (Cytotec) to induce labor pains, your healthcare professional will insert this medication into your vagina.

Lastly, you must also be sure to take Misoprostol (Cytotec) exactly as directed and refrain from taking more of this medication, less or more often than prescribed by your health care professional. Do not suddenly discontinue this medication without prior confirmation from your health care professional.

While on an ongoing course of Misoprostol (Cytotec) if you notice any of the symptoms listed below, or any other symptoms which may seem severe or persistent, you must contact your health care professional.

Sometimes, Misoprostol (Cytotec) may cause the patient to experience skin rashes, diarrhea, stomach pain, a mild fever, an itching sensation, dizziness, unusual or heavy vaginal bleeding, nausea and dehydration.

Furthermore, Misoprostol (Cytotec) may cause the patient to experience flatulence, extremely intense menstrual cramps or irregularities, bodily swellings, dyspepsia (indigestion), headaches, vomiting, chills and constipation.

If you are on an ongoing course of Misoprostol (Cytotec) before you commence taking any new medication, (either prescription or OTC), you must first consult your health care professional or pharmacist.

Furthermore, you must be sure to inform your health care professional if you are allergic to Misoprostol (Cytotec) or any other medication in any other form. Your health care professional must also be informed if you are taking any other medication in any other form, including nutritional supplements or herbal products whilst on an ongoing course of this medication.

Sometimes, Misoprostol (Cytotec) interacts with various medications, such as Aspirin, Cyclosporine, Ibuprofen and antacids containing Magnesium.

In case of an overdose of Misoprostol (Cytotec), call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

Furthermore, symptoms of an overdose of Misoprostol (Cytotec) may appear as sleepiness, tremors, seizures, difficulty breathing, stomach pain, diarrhea, fever and a slow heart rate.

Your health care professional will order certain laboratory and/or medical tests to be performed, such as blood pressure levels, smooth functioning of the kidneys, blood electrolyte levels and blood cholesterol levels to check your response to Misoprostol (Cytotec), monitor your progress and check for side effects. You must be sure to keep all appointments with your health care professional and the laboratory. Do not let anyone else take your Misoprostol (Cytotec) and ask your health care professional or pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

Furthermore, if you need to undergo any kind of surgery, including dental surgery, or you conceive whilst on a course of Misoprostol (Cytotec) inform your health care professional. You must be sure to inform your health care professional if you are pregnant, breast feeding or planning to conceive. Misoprostol (Cytotec) may cause miscarriages, premature labor or birth defects and it’s still unknown whether this medication passes into breast milk or not.

Lastly, avoid consuming alcohol and beverages containing even a small percentage of alcohol whilst on an ongoing course of Misoprostol (Cytotec). It is important that you do not discontinue this medication without first consulting your health care professional. While on an ongoing course of Misoprostol (Cytotec), you must also refrain from driving a car or operating any kind of machinery until you know how this medication affects you.

It is important that you do not take a double dose of Misoprostol (Cytotec) to make up for a missed one, unless you have consulted your health care professional.

Misoprostol (Cytotec) may also be used to help in the treatment of, and reduction of, severe bleeding after delivery. You must speak with your health care professional about the possible risks of using Misoprostol (Cytotec) for your condition and be sure to consult your health care professional or pharmacist for more information, since this medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses.

Store Misoprostol (Cytotec) in the container it came in, keep the lid tightly closed and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature (between 59 – 86 degrees F or 15 – 30 degrees C) and away from excess heat and moisture.

Furthermore, you must be sure to throw away any Misoprostol (Cytotec) medication that has gotten outdated or is no longer required. You must speak with your pharmacist or health care professional about the proper disposal of this medication.

It is important for the patient to know that before consuming Misoprostol (Cytotec); they must inform their health care professional, if they have ever had a history of, or are currently suffering from, stomach complications, intestinal complications, such as the inflammatory bowel disease, higher risk factors pertaining to uterine ruptures when this medication is used vaginally, such as five or more previous pregnancies, prior cesarean delivery, uterine surgery or excessive and uncontrolled tobacco smoking.

Furthermore, it may even take several days of therapy with Misoprostol (Cytotec) before your stomach pains improve. Be sure to speak with your health care professional if the pains refrain from subsiding or get worse. Take antacids for occasional relief from the pain unless your pharmacist or health care professional have prescribed some other medication.

Lastly, women must refrain from using Misoprostol (Cytotec) to prevent stomach ulcers if they are pregnant. It is necessary that women avoid getting pregnant while taking this medication and for at least one month or one full menstrual cycle after discontinuing this medication.

Misoprostol (Cytotec) must not be considered to be a complete reliable form of birth control, speak with your health care professional about other birth control options.