Misoprostol: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use it

Uses of Misoprostol

What is the drug Misoprostol?

Misoprostol is a drug that works to prevent stomach ulcers while taking NSAID drugs, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen. Doctors most often prescribe this drug in people who have a history of or are at high risk of developing stomach ulcers.

This drug works by lowering the acid level in the stomach. By taking this medicine, you can minimize the risk of ulcers or bleeding in the stomach.

Apart from preventing stomach ulcers, misoprostol is one of the drugs used to end a pregnancy, aka abortion. In such cases, this drug is usually combined with other drugs such as mifepristone.

Not only that, this drug can also be used as a helper during childbirth. Doctors will use this drug for induction and treat severe bleeding after delivery.

When used for childbirth, this drug works by making the muscles in the uterus contract.

Doctors can also prescribe this medication for other purposes that have not been stated. Use this drug with caution. Otherwise, this drug could have dangerous side effects that could be fatal.

How should I use Misoprostol?

Misoprostol is a strong drug whose use must be closely monitored by a doctor. Therefore, these drugs are generally not sold over-the-counter in pharmacies or drugstores. You can only get Misoprostol by prescription.

To prevent stomach ulcers, this drug is taken four times a day, after meals and at bedtime. This is done to avoid the side effects of diarrhea.

Meanwhile, if it is used to induce labor, the doctor or nurse will insert it through the vagina. Ask your doctor to find out the mechanism of this drug in childbirth care.

Use this medicine regularly so that you can feel the maximum benefits. Use a reminder application on your cellphone or write down your medication schedule in a special book so you don't forget to take your medication.

The dose given usually depends on your health condition and your body's response to treatment. That is why, it is better if you do not give this drug to other people even if they complain of similar symptoms.

Do not add or reduce doses of medication carelessly. Besides being able to decrease the potency of the drug, this can also increase the risk of side effects.

Immediately see a doctor if your condition does not improve or gets worse. Your doctor can change the dose or change another drug that is more suitable for your condition.

Actually the key is one, use any type of drug according to the doctor's rules or the recommendations listed on the drug packaging label. Don't hesitate to ask your doctor or pharmacist directly if you don't really understand how to use it.

How do I store Misoprostol?

Misoprostol is a drug that should be stored at room temperature. Keep away from direct light and damp places. Don't keep it in the bathroom. Don't freeze it.

Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules. Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed.

Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of your product.

Misoprostol dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the dosage for Misoprostol for adults?

The standard recommended dose is 200 micrograms (mcg), taken 4 times a day after meals and at bedtime. If needed, the dose can be increased to 400 mcg orally 2 times a day.

The dosage for each person may be different. The reason is, the administration of drug doses is usually adjusted to the age, the patient's overall health condition, and the body's response to treatment.

Be sure to always consult a doctor or pharmacist before taking any type of medication. This is to ensure that you are taking the drug according to the recommended dosage.

What is the dose of Misoprostol for children?

The dosage for children has not been determined. Consult your doctor for more information.

In what dosage and preparation is Misoprostol available?

Misoprostol is available in tablet form with a strength of 200 mcg.

Misoprostol Side Effects

What side effects can I have with Misoprostol?

Misoprostol is a drug that can cause mild to moderate diarrhea, stomach cramps, and nausea. These side effects usually occur during the first week of treatment. The possibility of diarrhea can be reduced by taking medication after meals.

Other less serious side effects can also occur. Some of them include:

• Throws up
• Bloated
• Constipation
• Headache
• Dizzy
• Menstrual cramps, spotting, or irregular periods

Very serious allergic reactions to this drug are rare. However, it's best to see a doctor immediately if you see or experience symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including:

• Itching skin
• Swelling, especially on the face, tongue and throat
• Severe dizziness
• Difficulty breathing

Not everyone experiences the side effects mentioned above. There may be some side effects which have not been mentioned.

If you have concerns about certain side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Warnings and Cautions

What should I know before using Misoprostol?

Some things you need to know and do before taking Misoprostol are:

• Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to misoprostol or any of the ingredients in this medication tablet. Ask the pharmacist or check the ingredients listed on the drug packaging.
• Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all medicines you are currently taking or will regularly take. This includes prescription drugs, non-prescription drugs, to natural medicines.
• Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you have or have a history of serious liver and kidney disease.
• Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you experience bleeding problems and menstrual problems.
• Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you have or have a history of chronic digestive disorders such as colitis and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
• Tell your doctor and pharmacist if your blood pressure is low.
• Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are pregnant and breastfeeding.

While taking this medicine, avoid taking antacids that contain magnesium because they can cause diarrhea. If you need to take antacid drugs, you should consult first to choose which type of drug is the best and suitable for your condition.

It is important to note that one of the side effects of Misoprostol is diarrhea, especially during the first weeks of use. It is better if you go to a doctor immediately if your diarrhea doesn't get better or gets worse.

Misoprostol also has the side effects of dizziness and lightheadedness. You should not get up too quickly from a lying or sitting position as this can cause you to fall.

To help avoid this problem, try to get out of bed slowly. Place your feet on the floor for a few minutes before you can firmly stand up.

Make sure you follow all the rules and advice given your doctor / or therapy instructions. The doctor may change the dose or change to another, safer drug based on the response to treatment.

Is Misoprostol safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women?

Misoprostol should not be given to pregnant women. This medicine can harm a pregnancy because it triggers uterine contractions, bleeding, and miscarriage.

This drug is included in the risk of pregnancy category X according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States, or the equivalent of the POM in Indonesia.

The following references the pregnancy risk categories according to the FDA:

• A = Not at risk
• B = No risk in several studies
• C = May be risky
• D = There is positive evidence of risk
• X = Contraindicated
• N = Unknown

In addition, this drug can also be absorbed into breast milk. According to Drugs.com, it is possible that this drug can cause diarrhea in a nursing infant if it is absorbed into breast milk. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breastfeeding.

Misoprostol Drug Interactions

What medicines may interact with this drug?

Drug interactions can change how medications work or increase the risk of serious side effects. It is likely that this article does not list all drug interactions.

Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription or nonprescription medicines and herbal products) and tell your doctor and pharmacist. Do not take, stop, or change the dose of any medication you are taking without your doctor's permission.

One drug that has the potential to cause negative side effects with misoprostol is phenylbutazone.

Can food or alcohol interact with this drug?

Certain drugs should not be used at the same time as eating or consuming certain foods because they have the potential to cause interactions.

Smoking tobacco or consuming alcohol with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

What health conditions can interact with this drug?

The presence of other medical problems can affect the use of this drug. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

• Kidney illness
• Liver disease
• Heart disease
• Blood vessel disorders
• Epilepsy
• Digestive disorders such as colitis and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

Misoprostol overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (119) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

Bring a medicine box, container, or label with you when you go to the hospital to help the doctor with any necessary information.

When someone has an overdose, various symptoms may appear, namely:

• Too low blood pressure (hypotension) which makes the head dizzy
• Fainting
• Fast and irregular heartbeat
• Slower than normal heart rate

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue on your dosing schedule. Do not use extra doses to make up for a missed dose.

If you continue to miss doses, consider setting an alarm or asking a family member to remind you.

Please consult with your doctor to discuss changes in your dosing schedule or a new schedule to make up for a missed dose, if you have missed too many doses recently.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.