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Misoprastol is a substance used as a drug in the treatment and prevention of stomach ulcers caused by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Misoprastol is present as a component of two drugs available on the Polish pharmaceutical market. We can find it in the composition of Arthrotec and Cytotec.
What is misoprostol?
Misoprostol is a synthetic analog of prostagladin E1. It works by binding with the EP3 receptor, which results in the inhibition of the secretion of gastric juice. Inhibition affects both the juice secreted during rest and after a meal. In addition, taking misoprostol increases the secretion of bicarbonates and mucus with a protective and soothing effect.
Misoprostol – safe use
Misoprostol should not be used by people who fall into one of the following categories:
- people hypersensitive to prostaglandin,
- pregnant women,
- breastfeeding women.
Like any drug, misoprostol can also cause a number of unpleasant side effects. The most common ones are: diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, flatulence, other gastrointestinal problems, increased monthly bleeding and – in the case of pregnant women – miscarriages.
Misoprastol available in drugs
Misoprastol is available as an ingredient in Cytotec, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug designed to treat gastric ulcer, duodenal ulcer and haemorrhagic lesions. It is a prescription drug intended for use by adults only.
The second drug, which contains misoprostol, is Arthrotec, with anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antipyretic and protective properties against the gastric and duodenal mucosa. It is also a prescription-only medicine intended for use by adults. Unlike Cytotec, taking Arthrotec causes a wider range of side effects, including – apart from the basic ones caused by mozoprostol consumption – also constipation, headache, swelling, skin allergic reactions, bronchospasm, proteinuria and oliguria.
Both of the above preparations are not allowed to be taken by women who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant, as well as for young mothers who are breastfeeding.
Misoprastol and induction of labor
Sometimes misoprastol is used in a way that differs from its main purpose. It works well as a means of deliberately inducing labor. In this respect, it is more effective than when oxytocin is used. Its use, however, has a greater number of potential side effects that it can cause.
Less commonly, misoprastol is used to treat postpartum hemorrhage. In this respect, misoprastol is slightly less active than oxytocin.