Misoprostol Information

MISOPROSTOL Drug Information

Drug Name: MISOPROSTOL

MISOPROSTOL DESCRIPTION:
MISOPROSTOL - ORAL (my-so-PROST-ohl)

COMMON MISOPROSTOL BRAND NAME(S):
MISOPROSTOL

MISOPROSTOL SIDE EFFECTS:
MISOPROSTOL causes diarrhea that usually stops after 8 days. If it persists or become bothersome, inform your doctor. Other side effects reported include nausea, vomiting, stomach pains, gas, indigestion, headache, menstrual irregularities. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE MISOPROSTOL:
MISOPROSTOL: MISOPROSTOL is best taken with meals and at bedtime to minimize the incidence of diarrhea. Avoid taking magnesium-containing antacids such as Mylanta or Maalox while on MISOPROSTOL. These types of antacids may increase the frequency/severity of diarrhea caused by misoprostol. Read antacid labels carefully to check for magnesium content. It is important to take MISOPROSTOL exactly as prescribed. Do not increase your dose or take more often than prescribed.

MISOPROSTOL WARNING:
MISOPROSTOL must not be used during pregnancy because birth defects and fetal death have occurred. MISOPROSTOL must not be used in women of childbearing age unless there are no alternatives. When MISOPROSTOL has been used to start labor, uterine rupture has occurred. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor before using MISOPROSTOL for this purpose. If a woman must use MISOPROSTOL, four requirements must be met: 1) negative pregnancy test within 2 weeks before starting use of MISOPROSTOL; 2) be able use effective measures to prevent pregnancy (contraception); 3) receive oral and written warnings on the dangers of misoprostol use in women of childbearing age; 4) must begin use of MISOPROSTOL only on the second or third day of next normal menstrual period. MISOPROSTOL must not be shared with others.

MISOPROSTOL USES:
MISOPROSTOL is used to prevent ulcers in persons taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, (NSAIDs, including aspirin), especially in persons at risk for developing ulcers or those with a history of ulcers. MISOPROSTOL is also used in combination with another drug, to abort a pregnancy.

MISOPROSTOL PRECAUTIONS:
Tell your doctor your medical history, especially: stomach/intestinal disorders, suspected pregnancy, any allergies. Misoprostol should not be used during pregnancy. Use reliable birth control methods while taking MISOPROSTOL. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. It is not known if misoprostol is excreted into breast milk. The manufacturer of MISOPROSTOL advises against breast-feeding while using misoprostol because it may harm a nursing infant.

MISOPROSTOL DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of all medicines you may use (both prescription and nonprescription) especially: magnesium- containing antacids. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

MISOPROSTOL OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include sleepiness, tremors, seizures, difficulty breathing, stomach pain, diarrhea, fever, and slow heart rate.

MISOPROSTOL NOTES:
Do not allow anyone else to take MISOPROSTOL.

MISSED MISOPROSTOL DOSE:
Take any missed dose as soon as possible but not if it is almost time for the next dose. If it is time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

MISOPROSTOL STORAGE:
Store at room temperature and keep away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom.