Misoprostol is approved in the United States for the prevention of gastric ulcers that are due to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID). It is approved in other countries as an abortifacient and for the inducement of labor. Misoprostol is also used off-label in the United States for these purposes although it has not yet been approved by the FDA. Misoprostol was first sold under the brand name Cytotec and is currently available under other brand names.
Instructions
1. Examine the preparations and storage for misoprostol. The tablets normally contain 100 micrograms or 200 micrograms of misoprstol and should be stored in a dry place below 86 degrees F.
2. Prescribe misoprostol for the prevention of stomach ulcers and related complications in patients taking NSAIDs such as aspirin. The typical therapy consists of four dosages per day with meals.
3. Examine the interactions of misoprostol with other drugs. Misoprostol is typically given to patients who are already taking NSAIDs although it is not recommended for women of child-bearing age unless they are at high risk for gastric ulcers.
4. Study the contraindications for misoprostol. Misoprostol may not be given to pregnant women due to the high risk of miscarriage. It is also not recommended to nursing mothers due to the risk of diarrhea in the baby.
5. Learn the common side effects of misoprostol. These include abdominal pain and initial diarrhea which usually resolves with continued use of the drug. Less common side effects include flatulence, headaches, menstrual cramps and nausea.
Tags: common side, common side effects, gastric ulcers, high risk, side effects