Misoprostol
Misoprostol is a prostaglandin medicine used for selected stomach-protection and obstetric or gynaecological purposes. The assessment, route and follow-up differ by use.
Key points
- Misoprostol used to prevent medicine-related ulcers is not interchangeable with an obstetric treatment plan.
- Pregnancy location, gestational stage, bleeding risk and access to follow-up care must be assessed when it is used in pregnancy care.
- Fainting, severe one-sided abdominal pain, very heavy bleeding or fever with worsening illness needs urgent care.
Listings are for comparison only. Suitability and supply depend on clinician and pharmacy checks, stock, destination rules and prescription requirements.
What Misoprostol is used for
Misoprostol may be used to reduce the risk of ulcers caused by certain anti-inflammatory medicines. It also has specialist uses for cervical preparation, miscarriage care, pregnancy termination and management of bleeding around childbirth.
How it works
Misoprostol mimics prostaglandin E1. It can protect the stomach lining and also soften the cervix and stimulate uterine contractions; these effects explain why the safety plan depends on the indication.
Important safety checks
Possible pregnancy, previous ectopic pregnancy, an intrauterine device, bleeding disorders, anticoagulants, anaemia and previous uterine surgery can affect care. Misoprostol does not treat an ectopic pregnancy. Follow-up may be needed to confirm that treatment has worked and that no complication remains.
When to seek urgent care
Seek urgent help for fainting, severe weakness, severe or one-sided abdominal pain, shoulder-tip pain, very heavy or persistent bleeding, breathing difficulty, fever with worsening pain or illness, or foul-smelling discharge.