Brand Name (s)
Cytotec®, generics, Arthrotec® is a combination of the NSAID diclofenac with misoprostol in one tablet
Drug Class
Prescription medication
Arthritis Types
Other

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).

Misoprostol is used to reduce the risk of stomach ulcers in patients taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for arthritis.

Misoprostol is taken orally in tablet form, often in combination with the NSAID diclofenac.

The usual dose of misoprostol is 200 mcg taken two to three times per day.

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.

Misoprostol starts working within half an hour to a few hours of taking it. If you are taking misoprostol to prevent ulcers, starting it alongside your prescribed NSAID is most effective.

Any person who is pregnant or may become pregnant should not take misoprostol since it can cause emergency complications, such as an incomplete miscarriage.

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.

Take misoprostol as prescribed and contact your healthcare provider if you have any concerns while taking the medication.

To reduce some of the side effects of nausea, cramps, and diarrhea, you can take this medication with food. If side effects persist, let your healthcare provider know.

You don’t need blood work monitoring while taking misoprostol.

Store medication at room temperature (15 to 25 degrees Celsius) and keep it out of reach of children.


Contributors

This information was last updated in June 2024 with expert review and advice by:

Alan Low, BSc(Pharm), PharmD, ACPR, FCSHP, CCD, RPh
Clinical Professor, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia
Pharmacy Lead and Primary Care Pharmacist, BioPro Biologics Pharmacy
Care Director, MedInfuse Health

Garrett Tang, PharmD, RPh
Pharmacist Services Coordinator, MedInfuse Health

We also thank previous expert contributor:

Jason Kielly, BSc(Pharm), PharmD
Assistant Professor, School of Pharmacy, Memorial University of Newfoundland
Clinical Pharmacist, Rheumatic Health Program, Eastern Health

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