What to Expect from Misoprostol

Misoprostol is the generic name for a prescription medication taken in tablet form. Doctors prescribe Misoprostol for a variety of uses, most of which involve digestive health.

Function

• If your doctor has prescribed misoprostol for you, it is likely that you have been prescribed a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medication to alleviate pain. The purpose of misoprostol is to protect your stomach from ulcers that sometimes occur from taking NSAIDs.

Use

• Normally, misoprostol is taken four times per day to prevent ulceration and is used until you are no longer being treated with NSAIDs.

Types of Side Effects

• The most common side effect of misoprostol is diarrhea, which occurs in approximately 14 to 40 percent of patients who take the drug to prevent ulceration, according to FDA clinical trials published on RxList. Abdominal pain is also common, effecting about 13 to 20 percent of patients.

Solution

• In most cases, the Mayo Clinic says diarrhea and abdominal pain from misoprostol can be eliminated by reducing the dosage.

Considerations

• Misoprostol should not be taken during pregnancy as it has the potential to cause a miscarriage. It's also not safe for those with a history of blood vessel disease, epilepsy or inflammatory bowel disease.

Labor use

• Occasionally, doctors use misoprostol to induce labor or as a part of the procedure for a medical abortion. This may lead to menstrual spotting, cramping or pain during menstruation according to RxList.