Cytotec (Misoprostol)

General information

Cytotec’s active ingredient is Misoprostol. It is a synthetic prostaglandin. The medicine is used to prevent stomach ulcers formation by patients who take NSAIDs. It protects stomach against destructive action of NSAIDs. This medication is also used in combination with another drug (mifepristone) to end a pregnancy (abortion).

Directions

Take a pill every time when you're eating and before bedtime. Cytotec is active starting within 30 minutes since its intake and continues for about 3 hours. If you are taking this drug to prevent stomach ulcers, take it by mouth usually four times a day, after meals and at bedtime to minimize diarrhea, or as directed by your doctor. If you are taking this medication for abortion, take it by mouth exactly as directed by your doctor.

Precautions

Before starting your treatment with Cytotec tell your doctor about all the conditions you may have especially about inflammatory bowel disease or any other condition to avoid dangerous conditions caused by considerable loss of fluid. Avoid taking it with a magnesium-containing antacid. Daily use of alcohol and tobacco may increase your risk for stomach bleeding. Limit alcohol beverages and stop smoking.

Contraindications

Pregnant and breastfeeding women, patients with renal impairment and patients under 18 y.o. can't use the medicine.

Possible side effects

Vomit, diarrhea, abdominal pain, decreased amount of urine, mental or mood changes, muscle weakness, slow or irregular heartbeat are frequent side effects. Sometimes it can cause headache, rash, drowsiness, menstrual cramps, hypo or hypertension, nausea, and flatulence. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: menstrual problems or irregularities, unusual or heavy vaginal bleeding. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Drug interactions

No significant interactions were reported. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription or herbal products you may use.

Missed dose

Take the missed dose as soon as possible. If it is almost time of the next intake just skip it and go back to your schedule.

Overdose

If you think you have overdosed the medicine seek emergency medical help at once. The overdose symptoms are drowsiness, tremor, diarrhea, stomach upset, pain in the stomach, difficulty breathing, irregular heartbeat low blood pressure, seizures, fever.

Storage

Store the medicine at room temperature away from moisture, sunlight, kids and pets in a tight container.

Note

The information presented at the site has a general character. Note please this information cannot be used for self-treatment and self diagnosis. You should consult with your doctor or health care adviser regarding any specific instructions of your condition. The information is reliable, but we concede it could contain mistakes. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other damage caused by use of this information on the site and also for consequences of self-treatment.