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.
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.
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
