What is Misoprostol Used For?

Primary Use

Misoprostol is a medication that works to stop stomach ulcers from happening when individuals take NSAIDs. Misoprostol reduces the chances of severe complications of ulcers, like bleeding. It functions by defending the lining of the stomach by reducing the levels of acid that come into contact with the lining.

A secondary use for this medication is for the termination of pregnancy, which is also known as abortion. Misoprostol is used alongside another drug, which is known as mifepristone, in order to end a pregnancy. Mifeprostone obstructs progesterone, which is a hormone that is necessary to keep a pregnancy going. This results in the shedding of the uterine lining, and the softening of the cervix, which could lead to bleeding. Then, misoprostol is administered, which causes the uterus to contract and causes the pregnancy to terminate itself within approximately 6 to 8 hours.

Misoprostol is also sometimes used in helping with childbirth, when the baby is being delivered. It can assist in inducing labor as well as cervical ripening. It also can help treat and manage serious bleeding that sometimes happens right about delivery. Misoprostol is administered vaginally in those situations, and functions by enabling the muscles of the womb to contract.

In using misoprostol, it is possible to experience several common side effects. These common side effects include stomach cramps, diarrhea, and nausea. These side effects are considered to be minor, because they usually rapidly subside (as the body adapts to the medicine). However, if you experience any of these side effects, and they intensify with time (as opposed to decreasing), talk with your doctor about them as soon as possible.

Using misoprostol also could lead to some very uncommon, but simultaneously very severe side effects as well. If you have any of these side effects, you need to seek emergency medical attention (as they could result in potentially harmful consequences). These side effects are heavy or abnormal vaginal bleeding, and menstrual irregularities or problems.