Cytotec (Misoprostol) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

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May 26, 2012

Cytotec

Peptic Ulcer »

Peptic ulcer facts

Peptic ulcers are sores in the lining of the stomach or duodenum.
Peptic ulcer formation is related to H. pylori bacteria in the stomach and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) in 50% of patients. For the remaining 50% there are miscellaneous or unknown causes.
Ulcer pain may not correlate with the presence or severity of ulceration.
The main symptom of peptic ulcer is upper abdominal pain which can be dull, sharp, or burning. (Bloating and burping are not symptoms of peptic ulcer, and vomiting, poor appetite, and nausea are uncommon symptoms of peptic ulcer.)
Diagnosis of ulcer is made with upper GI series or endoscopy.
Treatment of ulcers involves antibiotic combinations along with stomach acid suppression to eradicate H. pylori, eliminating precipitating factors such as NSAIDs and stomach acid suppression...

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Cytotec

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Cytotec®
(misoprostol) Tablets

WARNINGS

CYTOTEC (MISOPROSTOL) ADMINISTRATION TO WOMEN WHO ARE PREGNANT CAN CAUSE ABORTION, PREMATURE BIRTH, OR BIRTH DEFECTS. UTERINE RUPTURE HAS BEEN REPORTED WHEN CYTOTEC (misoprostol) WAS ADMINISTERED IN PREGNANT WOMEN TO INDUCE LABOR OR TO INDUCE ABORTION BEYOND THE EIGHTH WEEK OF PREGNANCY (see also PRECAUTIONS and Labor And Delivery) CYTOTEC (misoprostol) SHOULD NOT BE TAKEN BY PREGNANT WOMEN TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ULCERS INDUCED BY NONSTEROIDAL ANTI-INFLAMMATORY DRUGS (NSAIDs) (see CONTRAINDICATIONS, WARNINGS, and PRECAUTIONS)

PATIENTS MUST BE ADVISED OF THE ABORTIFACIENT PROPERTY AND WARNED NOT TO GIVE THE DRUG TO OTHERS.

Cytotec (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 complications from gastric ulcers associated with use of the NSAID, or is at high risk of developing gastric ulceration. In such patients, Cytotec (misoprostol) may be prescribed if the patient

has had a negative serum pregnancy test within 2 weeks prior to beginning therapy.
is capable of complying with effective contraceptive measures.
has received both oral and written warnings of the hazards of misoprostol, the risk of possible contraception failure, and the danger to other women of childbearing potential should the drug be taken by mistake.
will begin Cytotec (misoprostol) only on the second or third day of the next normal menstrual period.

DRUG DESCRIPTION

Cytotec (misoprostol) oral tablets contain either 100 mcg or 200 mcg of misoprostol, a synthetic prostaglandin E₁ analog.

Misoprostol contains approximately equal amounts of the two diastereomers presented below with their enantiomers indicated by (±):

Cytotec®
(misoprostol) Structural Formula Illustration

Misoprostol is a water-soluble, viscous liquid.

Inactive ingredients of tablets are hydrogenated castor oil, hypromellose, microcrystalline cellulose, and sodium starch glycolate.

What are the possible side effects of misoprostol (Cytotec)?

Stop taking misoprostol and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives).

Misoprostol may cause mild to moderate diarrhea, stomach cramps, and/or nausea. These problems usually occur during the first few weeks of treatment and stop after about a week. The occurrence of diarrhea may be minimized by taking misoprostol with food. Contact your doctor if these symptoms persist for longer than 8 days or if they are...

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What are the precautions when taking misoprostol (Cytotec)?

Before taking misoprostol, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: stomach/intestinal disease (e.g., inflammatory bowel disease), risk factors for uterine rupture when this drug is used vaginally (e.g., prior Cesarean delivery, uterine surgery, five or more previous pregnancies).

Daily use of alcohol and tobacco may increase your risk for stomach bleeding. Limit alcohol beverages and stop smoking. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

If you are taking this...

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Last reviewed on RxList: 12/20/2010
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.