Brand name:
Cytotec (Misoprostol)
Pronounced: SITE-oh-tek
Generic name: Misoprostol
Why is Cytotec (Misoprostol) prescribed?
Cytotec (Misoprostol), a synthetic prostaglandin (hormone-like substance), reduces
the production of stomach acid and protects the stomach lining. People
who take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be given
Cytotec (Misoprostol) tablets to help prevent stomach ulcers.
Aspirin and other NSAIDs such as Motrin, Naprosyn, Feldene, and others,
which are widely used to control the pain and inflammation of arthritis,
are generally hard on the stomach. If you must take an NSAID for a
prolonged period of time, and if you are elderly or have ever had a
stomach ulcer, your doctor may want you to take Cytotec (Misoprostol) for as long
as you take the NSAID.
Most important fact about Cytotec (Misoprostol)
You must not become pregnant while using Cytotec (Misoprostol). This drug causes
uterine contractions that could lead to a miscarriage. If you do have
a miscarriage, there is a risk that it might be incomplete. This could
lead to bleeding, hospitalization, surgery, infertility, or even death.
It is vitally important to use reliable contraception while taking
Cytotec (Misoprostol).
How should you take Cytotec (Misoprostol)?
Take Cytotec (Misoprostol) with meals, exactly as prescribed.
Take Cytotec (Misoprostol) for the full course of NSAID treatment, even if you notice
no stomach problems.
Take the final dosage at bedtime.
If you miss a dose Cytotec (Misoprostol)...
Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next
dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule.
Do not take 2 doses at once.
Storage instructions Cytotec (Misoprostol)...
Store at room temperature in a dry place.
Cytotec (Misoprostol) side effects
Cytotec (Misoprostol) may cause abdominal cramps, diarrhea, and/or nausea, especially
during the first few weeks of treatment. These symptoms may disappear
as your body gets used to the drug. Taking Cytotec (Misoprostol) with food can help
minimize diarrhea. If you have prolonged difficulty (more than 8 days),
or if you have severe diarrhea, cramping, or nausea, call your doctor.
* Other side effects may include:
Constipation, gas, indigestion, headache, heavy menstrual bleeding, menstrual
disorder, menstrual pain or cramps, paleness, spotting (light bleeding between
menstrual periods), stomach or intestinal bleeding, vomiting
Cytotec (Misoprostol) may cause uterine bleeding even if you have gone through menopause.
However, postmenopausal bleeding could be a sign of some other gynecological
problem. If you experience any such bleeding while taking Cytotec (Misoprostol),
notify your doctor at once.
Why should Cytotec (Misoprostol) not be prescribed?
Do not take Cytotec (Misoprostol) if you are sensitive to or have ever had an allergic
reaction to it or to another prostaglandin medication.
Do not take Cytotec (Misoprostol) if you are pregnant or might become pregnant while
taking it.
Special warnings about Cytotec (Misoprostol)
Since Cytotec (Misoprostol) may cause diarrhea, you should use Cytotec (Misoprostol) very cautiously
if you have inflammatory bowel disease or any other condition in which
the loss of fluid caused by diarrhea would be particularly dangerous.
To reduce the risk of diarrhea, take Cytotec (Misoprostol) with food and avoid taking
it with a magnesium-containing antacid, such as Di-Gel, Gelusil, Maalox,
Mylanta, and others. Have frequent medical checkups.
Never give Cytotec (Misoprostol) to anyone else; the dosage might be wrong, and
if the other person is pregnant, the drug might harm the unborn baby
or cause a miscarriage.
If you have a history of heart disease, you may not be able to use
Cytotec (Misoprostol). Be sure to tell your doctor about any heart problems.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking Cytotec (Misoprostol)
Cytotec (Misoprostol) does not interfere with arthritis medications such as aspirin
and ibuprofen.
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor
immediately. Because Cytotec (Misoprostol) can cause dangerous cases of miscarriage,
sometimes leading to the mother's death, it should not be taken during
pregnancy. If you are a woman of childbearing age, you should not take
Cytotec (Misoprostol) unless you have thoroughly discussed the risks with your doctor
and believe you are able to take effective contraceptive measures.
You will need to take a pregnancy test about 2 weeks before starting
to take Cytotec (Misoprostol). To be sure you are not pregnant at the start of Cytotec (Misoprostol)
treatment, your doctor will have you take your first dose on the second
or third day of your menstrual period.
Even the most scrupulous contraceptive measures sometimes fail. If
you believe you may have become pregnant while taking Cytotec (Misoprostol), stop
taking the drug and contact your doctor immediately.
It is not known if Cytotec (Misoprostol) appears in breast milk. Because of the
potential for severe diarrhea in a nursing infant, your doctor may
have you stop breastfeeding until your treatment is finished.
Recommended dosage for Cytotec (Misoprostol)
ADULTS
Overdosage
Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you
suspect symptoms of an overdose of Cytotec (Misoprostol), seek medical attention
immediately.
