Misoprostol

Misoprostol prevents stomach ulcers caused by certain anti-inflammatory medications. Do not take this medication if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant soon.

Misoprostol Overview

Updated: 

Misoprostol is a prescription medication used to prevent ulcers from taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Misoprostol belongs to a class of medications called prostaglandins analogues. These wotk by mimicking the prostaglandins in the stomach which protect the stomach lining. 

Misoprostol is available in tablet form and is normally taken 4 times daily with food.

Common side effects of misoprostol include stomach pain and diarrhea.

How was your experience with Misoprostol?

First, a little about yourself

Tell us about yourself in a few words?

What tips would you provide a friend before taking Misoprostol?

What are you taking Misoprostol for?

Choose one
  • Other
  • Stomach Ulcer

How long have you been taking it?

Choose one
  • Less than a week
  • A couple weeks
  • A month or so
  • A few months
  • A year or so
  • Two years or more

How well did Misoprostol work for you?

Did you experience many side effects while taking this drug?

How likely would you be to recommend Misoprostol to a friend?

Pill Images

{{ slide.name }}
pill-image {{ slide.name }}
Color: {{ slide.color }} Shape: {{ slide.shape }} Size: {{ slide.size }} Score: {{ slide.score }} Imprint: {{ slide.imprint }}
<<
Prev
{{ slide.number }} of {{ slide.total }}
>>
Next

Misoprostol Cautionary Labels

Back to Top
precautionsprecautionsprecautionsprecautions

Uses of Misoprostol

Back to Top

Misoprostol is a prescription medication used to prevent ulcers from taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). 

This medication may be prescribed for other uses. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Misoprostol Brand Names

Back to Top

Misoprostol may be found in some form under the following brand names:

Misoprostol Drug Class

Back to Top

Misoprostol is part of the drug class:

Side Effects of Misoprostol

Back to Top

Serious side effects have been reported with misoprostol. See "Misoprostol Precautions" section.

Common side effects of misoprostol include:

  • Stomach pain
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Headache
  • Gas 
  • Constipation

This is not a complete list of misoprostol side effects. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Misoprostol FDA Warning

Back to Top

Administration of misoprostol to women who are pregnant can cause birth defects, abortion, or premature birth. Uterine rupture has been reported when misoprostol was administered in pregnant women to induce labor or to induce abortion beyond the eighth week of pregnancy. Misoprostol should not be used for reducing the risk of NSAID-induced ulcers in women of childbearing potential unless the patient is at high risk of developing gastric ulcers or complications. Women must have a negative serum pregnancy test within 2 weeks prior to beginning therapy, use effective contraceptive measures, and initiate therapy only on the second or third day of the next normal menstrual period. Oral and written warnings of the hazards of misoprostol, including the risk of possible contraception failure, must be given to the patient prior to initiating therapy