Misoprostol, Cytotec
Description: Prostaglandin
“Alert: US Warning
Misoprostol, Cytotec can birth defects, abortion, premature birth and/or uterine rupture when given to pregnant women. Patients must be advised of the abortifacient property and warned not to give the drug to others.”
CSA NA – FDA Approved – REMS (N) – Can Ship
How Does It Work
Misoprostol, Cytotec is a prostaglandin E1 analog that binds to myometrial cells and induces uterine contractions. Misoprostol, Cytotec also replaces the protective prostaglandins consumed by prostaglandin-inhibiting therapies.
Indications For Use
Prevention of drug-induced gastric ulcers, termination of intrauterine pregnancy
Precautions
Before starting Misoprostol, Cytotec make sure your physician is aware of any allergies or medications you currently take, and current medical conditions. Women must be advised of the abortifacient property of misoprostol. Misoprostol, Cytotec should be used with caution in patients with cardiovascular disease and renal impairment.
Usual Dosing
Usual (Oral): 100mcg to 200mcg 4 times daily for prevention of drug-induced gastric ulcers.
Usual (Intravaginal): Insert 800mcg intravaginally, may repeat every 3 hours for 2 additional doses if needed.
Pharmacist Tips On Using
How to Take: Take with food and avoid magnesium-containing antacids to minimize diarrhea. f removing from the refrigerator, allow the solution to reach room temperature before administration. Infuse over at least 15 minutes. Flush the IV line with 10ml of normal saline following the infusion. Make sure to never infuse other medications using the same line. Patients must be appropriately hydrated prior to treatment.
Side Effects
Diarrhea, abdominal pain, headache, constipation, dyspepsia, flatulence, nausea, vomiting.
Note this is not a complete list of side effects, only the most common.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I do if the side effects are not tolerable?
If the side effects are causing a lot of distress to speak to our physician as soon as possible to discuss options.