Misoprostol

Drug Name
Misoprostol

Brand Name(s)
Cytotec®, generics Arthrotec® is a combination of the NSAID diclofenac with misoprostol in one tablet

Drug Class
NSAIDs and COXIBs

Misoprostol replaces a naturally occurring substance that helps maintain the stomach’s protective mucous lining. It is one of the ingredients in some combination tablets used for arthritis pain. Misoprostol is used to reduce the risk of stomach ulcers in patients taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

This information was written in November 2017, with expert advice from:

Jason Kielly, B.Sc. (pharm.), Pharm.D.
Assistant Professor, School of Pharmacy, Memorial University of Newfoundland
Clinical Pharmacist, Rheumatic Health Program, Eastern Health

This information was last updated in December 2021 by:

Alan Low, B.Sc. (pharm.), Pharm. D., ACPR, FCSHP, CCD, RPh
Clinical Associate Professor, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UBC
Co-Founder and Executive Director, Medicines Access Coalition – BC
​Primary Care Pharmacist, Vancouver

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