Misoprostol

Misoprostol is a medication for treating ineffective uterine contractions. It prevents stomach ulcers when used with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) such as Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Meloxicam, and others. It is also used to treat postpartum bleeding. It is available in the market in the form of oral pills. The World Health Organization termed it an "essential medicine" because of its several uses in gynaecology and gastrointestinal conditions.

What are the uses of Misoprostol?

When used with NSAIDs, this medicine prevents stomach ulcers, especially if you have a history of ulcers or are at high risk for developing ulcers. Misoprostol lowers the chance of significant ulcer complications like bleeding by reducing the amount of acid that comes in contact with your stomach lining. This medicine is also used with another drug (Mifepristone) to stop pregnancies.

How and when to take Misoprostol?

• Follow your doctor's instructions for Misoprostol usage. Read all medication guidelines or instructions before using any medicine.
• Misoprostol is generally taken with meals four times a day. The evening dose should be the final one for the day. When using this medication, especially in the initial weeks, you may have nausea, stomach cramps, or diarrhoea. The common duration of these symptoms is one week. Please let your doctor know if your issue persists or worsens.
• For Misoprostol to work, it must be taken regularly. The first dosage for women shouldn't be taken until the second or third day of their menstruation (to be sure that they are not pregnant). Never stop taking Misoprostol without consulting your doctor first.

What are the side effects of Misoprostol?

Misoprostol has the potential to induce major adverse effects. Call your doctor straight away if you notice the following symptoms:

• Persistent stomach pain or diarrhoea.
• Dehydration symptoms include dizziness, disorientation, extreme thirst, and decreased urine.
• This medication rarely causes severe allergic reactions. Nevertheless, get medical attention immediately if you detect any of the following signs of a major allergic reaction: rash, itching/swelling, severe dizziness, or difficulty breathing.

Some common Misoprostol adverse effects are:

• Diarrhoea and stomach ache.
• Nausea, vomiting, constipation.
• Fatigue and fever

What precautions should be taken?

• Before taking Misoprostol, inform your doctor or chemist of any sensitivities you may have to it or other substances.
• The risk of stomach bleeding might rise if you regularly consume alcohol and smoke. Minimise alcoholic beverages, and abstain from smoking.
• If you combine this medication with Mifepristone to stop a pregnancy, it is extremely unlikely that an incomplete abortion will take place. You should keep all of your scheduled appointments to monitor your progress and be constantly monitored by your doctor.
• Expect vaginal bleeding after taking the combination medication, but let your doctor know immediately if you develop any unexpected symptoms like extreme or protracted vaginal bleeding or indications of infection (such as fever, chills, or fainting).
• Pregnancy: Since there is a chance that it might harm the unborn child, this medication should not be used to treat stomach ulcers while pregnant. Use reliable birth control methods if you are of reproductive age while taking Misoprostol. Inform your doctor if you get pregnant or suspect you might be pregnant.
• Breastfeeding: This medication enters breast milk. Nonetheless, it is doubtful that this drug will have an impact on a nursing infant. A doctor should be consulted before nursing.
• Misoprostol carries the risk of causing birth defects, premature birth, uterine rupture, miscarriage, incomplete miscarriage, and potentially dangerous uterine bleeding. It should not be used for stomach ulcer prevention if you are pregnant.
• If there is a possibility of pregnancy, a negative pregnancy test is required before beginning this treatment. Additionally, effective birth control must be used to prevent pregnancy while undergoing this treatment.

What if I miss the dose or have an overdose of Misoprostol?

Take the missed dosage as soon as you recall it. However, skip the missing dose if it is almost time to take your next dose. 

Limit your intake, and do not overdose. Your health might suffer significantly as a result. Keep a time interval between doses; avoid taking two doses at once. Take urgent medical assistance if a person who has overdosed exhibits dangerous signs like fainting or difficulty breathing.

Caution with other medicine

Misoprostol might potentially interact with any of the following:

• Antacids
• Oxytocin

See your physician if you are using any of these drugs.

What are the storage conditions for Misoprostol?

• Keep in a dark and dry place, away from light and moisture, at or below 25C (77F).
• Keep out of the bathroom.
• Keep children and pets away from any medications.
• Unless specifically directed, avoid flushing drugs down the toilet or pouring them into drains. Use the right disposal method when the product is no longer required or has expired.

How quickly does Misoprostol show results?

When taken orally, Misoprostol takes 8 minutes to start working and lasts for about 2 hours. When taken sublingually, it takes 11 minutes to start working and lasts for about 3 hours. When taken vaginally, it takes 20 minutes to start working and lasts for about 4 hours.

Misoprostol vs Mifepristone

FAQs

1. What is the difference between Misoprostol and Mifepristone? 

Misoprostol and Mifepristone are both medications used in medication-induced abortion, but they have distinct roles. Mifepristone, often called the "abortion pill," is typically used first to block the hormone progesterone, necessary for pregnancy. It is usually followed by Misoprostol, which induces uterine contractions to expel the pregnancy.

2. What is the primary use of Misoprostol?

The primary use of Misoprostol varies. It is used for inducing labor, managing postpartum hemorrhage, cervical ripening, and treating stomach ulcers. 

3. Does Misoprostol have side effects?

Yes, Misoprostol can have side effects. These may include nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, uterine contractions, vaginal bleeding, and in some cases, more serious side effects like uterine rupture. The side effects can vary depending on the purpose of use.

4. What are the Misoprostol side effects?

Side effects of Misoprostol can include gastrointestinal issues like nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In the context of pregnancy termination, it can also cause uterine contractions and vaginal bleeding. More severe side effects can include uterine rupture, although this is relatively rare. The specific side effects experienced may vary from person to person.

References:

https://www.drugs.com/Misoprostol.html https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a689009.html
https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-6111/Misoprostol-oral/details

Disclaimer: The information provided here is not meant to substitute an advice from a healthcare professional. The information is not intended to cover all the possible uses, side-effects, precautions, and drug interactions. This information is not intended to suggest that using a specific drug is suitable, safe, or efficient for you or anyone else. The absence of any information or warning regarding the drug should not be interpreted as an implicit guarantee from the organisation. We strongly advise you to consult a doctor if you have any concerns about the drug and never use the medication without a doctor’s prescription.