Misoprostol is a drug used to treat and prevent stomach ulcers or duodenal ulcers, mainly due to drug use non-anti-inflammatorysteroids (NSAIDs). This drug will help reduce the risk of complications from peptic ulcers, such as gastrointestinal bleeding.
Misoprostol works by coating the stomach while inhibiting the production of stomach acid. That way, the pain due to gastric ulcers can subside and the risk of complications can decrease. This drug is available in tablet form and should only be used according to a doctor's prescription.
Misoprostol trademark: Adlansis, Cytostol, Gastrul, Inflesco, Invitec, Mipros, Misoprostol, Misotab, Neoprost, Noprostol, Prosomed, Proster, Protecid, Sopros
What is Misoprostol
| group | Prescription drugs |
| Category | Prostaglandin E1 . analogues |
| Benefit | Treating and preventing gastric ulcers and duodenal ulcers due to the use of NSAIDs |
| Consumed by | Mature |
| Misoprostol for pregnant and lactating women | Category X: Studies in experimental animals and humans have demonstrated fetal abnormalities or a risk to the fetus. Drugs in this category should not be used by women who are or may become pregnant. Misoprostol may be absorbed into breast milk. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor first. |
| Drug form | Tablet |
Warnings Before Taking Misoprostol
Misoprostol should only be used as prescribed by a doctor. Here are some things you need to pay attention to before taking misoprostol:
- Tell your doctor about any allergies you have. Misoprostol should not be given to patients who are allergic to this drug or to prostaglandins.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy. Misoprostol should not be given to women who are pregnant.
- Tell your doctor if you have or are currently suffering from liver disease, hypertension, heart disease, kidney failure, digestive disorders, such as colitis.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking certain medications, supplements, or herbal products, especially antacids that contain magnesium.
- Use contraception appropriate to your condition to prevent pregnancy while on treatment with misoprostol.
- See your doctor right away if you have an allergic drug reaction, serious side effect, or overdose after taking misoprostol.
Misoprostol Dosage and Directions
Misoprostol should only be given by a doctor. The following are the dosages of misoprostol for adults based on their intended use:
- Purpose: Treat gastric or duodenal ulcers associated with NSAID use
The dose is 0.8 mg, divided into 2–4 doses, for 4 weeks. If needed, treatment can be continued for up to 8 weeks.
- Purpose: Prevent gastric ulcer or duodenal ulcer due to NSAID use
The dose is 0.2 mg, 2–4 times a day. If side effects occur, the dose may be reduced to 0.1 mg, 4 times daily.
In addition, misoprostol may be given by a doctor to assist with delivery. Dosage and how to use misoprostol for this purpose will be adjusted to the patient's condition.
How to Take Misoprostol Correctly
Follow your doctor's advice and advice while you are on treatment with misoprostol. Do not increase the dose, reduce the dose, or stop treatment without consulting your doctor first.
Take misoprostol tablets after meals and at bedtime. If you forget to take misoprostol, take this medicine immediately if it is not close to the schedule for taking the next drug. If it is approaching, ignore the missed dose and do not double the dose.
This drug can cause nausea, stomach cramps or diarrhea in the first week of use. If these symptoms do not go away after 8 days of using misoprostol, consult your doctor again.
Store misoprostol at room temperature and in a closed container to avoid direct sunlight and out of reach of children.
Misoprostol Interactions with Other Drugs
The following are some of the effects of interactions that may occur when misoprostol is used with other medicines:
- Increased risk of side effects such as diarrhea if taken with antacids containing magnesium
- Increased risk of uterine muscle contractions if taken with oxytocin or other labor induction drugs
- Increased risk of stomach cramps or bleeding if used with topical dinoprostone
- Decreased effectiveness of misoprostol when used with quinapril
Misoprostol Side Effects and Dangers
Some of the side effects that can occur after taking misoprostol are:
- Diarrhea
- Stomach cramps or stomach ache
- Stomach bloating or excessive wind
- Burning and burning sensation in the chest (heartburn)
- Nausea or vomiting
Check with a doctor if the complaints mentioned above do not go away or get worse. See your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction to a drug or a serious side effect, such as:
- Menstrual disorders, such as menstrual bleeding more than usual or irregular menstrual cycles
- Heavy bleeding and tearing of the uterus if used by pregnant women
- Black stool or vomiting blood