Misoprostol
About
Misoprostol is prostaglandins belongs to a group of medicines known as ‘Abortifacient’ and ‘Antiulcer agents’. It is primarily used in medical abortion and post-delivery bleeding. It is also used to treat gastric ulcers. Medical abortion is a procedure in which medicine is used to terminate a pregnancy. It is effectively causing abortion if performed in the first 70 days of pregnancy. Vagina bleeding occurs, and if it does not stop, please inform your doctor as it might require medical supervision. A gastric ulcer is a gap in the lining of the stomach decomposed by the acidic digestive juices which are produced by the stomach cells.
Misoprostol is a prostaglandin that increases the womb’s (uterus) contraction and dilates the cervix, thereby expelling the pregnancy. Thus, Misoprostol together cause termination of pregnancy and must be used one after the other for medical abortion. It can also prevent post-delivery bleeding due to poor contraction of the uterus.
Take Misoprostol as prescribed by your doctor. You are advised to take Misoprostol for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you depending on your medical conditions. You may experience menorrhagia (heavy menstrual bleeding), nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, uterine contractions, and stomach cramp. Most of these side effects of Misoprostol do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects are persistent, reach out to your doctor.
Misoprostol should not be stopped abruptly without consulting the doctor as it may lead to incomplete abortion. Inform your doctor before starting Misoprostol if you have or ever had an allergy to Misoprostol. If you have taken oxytocin, then inform your doctor before using Misoprostol. If you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant, inform your doctor because it may cause a miscarriage, premature birth, or birth defects. If you are breastfeeding, then immediately inform your doctor as it may give your baby diarrhea.
Uses of Misoprostol
Medicinal Benefits
Misoprostol is prostaglandins belongs to a group of medicines known as ‘Abortifacient’ and ‘Antiulcer agents’. It is primarily used in medical abortion and post-delivery bleeding. It is also used to treat gastric ulcers. Misoprostol is a prostaglandin that increases the womb’s (uterus) contraction and dilates the cervix, thereby expelling the pregnancy. Thus, Misoprostol together cause termination of pregnancy and must be used one after the other for medical abortion. It can also prevent post-delivery bleeding due to poor contraction of the uterus.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Misoprostol
- Menorrhagia (heavy menstrual bleeding)
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Uterine contractions
- Stomach cramp
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Misoprostol should not be stopped abruptly without consulting the doctor as it may lead to incomplete abortion. Inform your doctor before starting Misoprostol if you have or ever had an allergy to Misoprostol. If you have taken oxytocin, then inform your doctor before using Misoprostol. If you have heart disease, low or high blood pressure, inflammatory bowel disease then talks to your doctor. If you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant, inform your doctor because it may cause a miscarriage, premature birth, or birth defects. If you are breastfeeding, then immediately inform your doctor as it may give your baby diarrhea.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Misoprostol interacts with medicines induced for labor pain (Dinoprostone), antacid (magaldrate), mineral supplement (magnesium carbonate, magnesium oxide), medicines for constipation (magnesium hydroxide), blood pressure-lowering pills (quinapril).
Drug-Food Interaction: Avoid grapefruit juice while taking Misoprostol.
Drug-Disease Interaction: Misoprostol should be not given in patients with heart disease, and diarrhea.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeAlcohol is known to cause excessive dizziness and if taken along with Misoprostol and increase uterine bleeding.
Pregnancy
unsafeMisoprostol is used for medical abortion. If taken in pregnancy, it can lead to abortion.
Breast Feeding
unsafeMisoprostol should not be taken if breastfeeding as it may pass through the milk to the baby.
Driving
cautionDizziness has been reported after taking Misoprostol. Be cautious when driving or operating machinery until you know how the Misoprostol affects you.
Liver
cautionMisoprostol to be taken with caution, especially if you have a history of Liver diseases/conditions. The dose may have to be adjusted by your doctor.
Kidney
cautionMisoprostol to be taken with caution, especially if you have a history of Kidney diseases/conditions. The dose may have to be adjusted by your doctor.
Children
unsafeMisoprostol is not recommended for children below 18 years.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Keep your weight under control with body mass index (BMI) 19.5-24.9.
- Opt for a diet rich in whole grains, fruits, veggies, and low-fat dairy products.
- Avoid intake of acid or heartburn triggering foods or drinks like onions, peppermint, chocolate, caffeinated beverages, citrus fruits or juices, tomatoes, and high-fat and spicy foods.
- Quitting smoking and not drinking alcohol is the best strategy to lower the risk of any complication.
- Avoid chronic stress and physical exercise like running as it might increase vaginal bleeding.
- Monitor your blood pressure daily and if there is too much fluctuation, then immediately contact your doctor.
- Get an ultrasound done to check if the abortion is done completely to avoid any unwanted complications.
- Try to include heart-healthy omega 3 fatty acid containing food drinks in your daily diet. You can also use low-fat cooking oil like olive oil, soybean oil, canola oil, and coconut oil to lower your elevated blood pressure.
Special Advise
- Get an ultrasound done to check whether medical abortion is done completely to avoid any unwanted complications.
- Monitor your blood pressure daily and if there is too much fluctuation, then immediately contact your doctor.
- Rest for at least 3 hours after taking the medicine
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Medical abortion: It is a procedure in which medicine is used to terminate a pregnancy. It is effectively causing abortion if performed in the first 70 days of pregnancy. Vagina bleeding occurs, and if it does not stop, please inform your doctor as it might require medical supervision. Having a medical abortion is a very emotional decision. You should be mentally prepared for all the risks a surgical absorption could lead to, like incomplete abortion, heavy and prolonged bleeding (may last up to 30 days), fever, digestive system discomfort fever. Also, if the medication does not work, it can lead to an unwanted ongoing pregnancy, leading to fetal defects. So, to avoid any complications, keep in regular touch with your doctor and do as advised.
Gastric ulcers: A gap in the lining of the stomach decomposed by the acidic digestive juices which are produced by the stomach cells. Ulcer formation is related to H. pyloridus bacteria in the stomach, anti-inflammatory medicines, and smoking cigarettes.
FAQs
No, studies have shown that this Misoprostol does not damage the fertility of the women. Your future chances of getting pregnant are as equal as those who have not taken this Misoprostol.
For medical termination of pregnancy, you may experience diarrhea, abdominal cramping, nausea, and stomach pain, and immediately after taking Misoprostol. You may also have vaginal bleeding within 4 hours of taking Misoprostol. You may also be asked to stay at the clinic at least 3 hours after taking this Misoprostol. After 14 days of taking Misoprostol (pill you took before Misoprostol), your gynecologist may run some blood tests or perform ultrasonography to check whether pregnancy has been terminated or not.
If you take too many tablets, contact your doctor or accident and emergency department straight away.
No, Misoprostol should be taken in the dose and duration as advised by the doctor. If you take it in more than the recommended dose, it might cause unpleasant side effects like excessive uterine or vaginal bleeding.
Ask your doctor before using an antacid and use only your doctor's advice. Some antacids can enhance your risk of diarrhea while you are taking Misoprostol.
