Misoprostol
Why this is used
Misoprostol is used to prevent ulcers in people who take certain arthritis or pain medicines, including aspirin, that can cause ulcers. It protects the stomach lining and decreases stomach acid secretion.
How to take it
Misoprostol comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken 4 times a day, after meals and at bedtime with food. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take misoprostol exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Misoprostol must be taken regularly to be effective. Women should not take their first dose until the second or third day of their menstrual period (to be sure that they are not pregnant). Do not stop taking misoprostol without talking to your doctor.
Side effects
<p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>Misoprostol may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
<ul>
<li>
diarrhea</li>
<li>
headache</li>
<li>
stomach pain</li>
<li>
upset stomach</li>
<li>
gas</li>
<li>
vomiting</li>
<li>
constipation</li>
<li>
indigestion</li></ul></p> <p></p> <p>If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
<ul>
<li>
vomiting blood</li>
<li>
bloody or black, tarry stools</li></ul>If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at <a href='http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch'>http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch</a>] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].</p>
<ul>
<li>
diarrhea</li>
<li>
headache</li>
<li>
stomach pain</li>
<li>
upset stomach</li>
<li>
gas</li>
<li>
vomiting</li>
<li>
constipation</li>
<li>
indigestion</li></ul></p> <p></p> <p>If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
<ul>
<li>
vomiting blood</li>
<li>
bloody or black, tarry stools</li></ul>If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at <a href='http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch'>http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch</a>] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].</p>
Precautions
Before taking misoprostol, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to misoprostol or any other drugs. tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially antacids, aspirin, arthritis medications, and vitamins.
Overdose
In case of overdose, 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.
Educational reference only — talk to a pharmacist or prescriber about Misoprostol.