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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).

What is misoprostol?

Misoprostol replaces a naturally occurring substance that helps maintain the stomach’s protective mucous lining.
How is misoprostol administered?

Misoprostol is taken orally in tablet form.
What is the typical dose and when do I take it?

The usual dose of misoprostol is 200 mcg taken two to three times per day.
How does it work?

Prostaglandin is a naturally occurring substance in the body that helps to maintain the stomach’s mucous lining. Misoprostol is a synthetic prostaglandin.

Misoprostol is sometimes prescribed for patients who are taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) because NSAIDs are associated with an increased risk of stomach ulcers as they inhibit the production of prostaglandins in the stomach. Misoprostol can help reduce the risk of these stomach complications.
When should I not take misoprostol and call my doctor?

Any woman who is pregnant or may become pregnant should not take misoprostol since it can cause emergency complications, such as an incomplete miscarriage.
What are the side effects of misoprostol?

Your body may take two to three days to adjust to misoprostol, during which time you may experience nausea, cramps and diarrhea. These common side effects often disappear completely, but if they persist, contact your doctor.

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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Misoprostol

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