Cytotec
(Misoprostol)
Prevents stomach ulcers and used for women's health.
Our bottom line
Cytotec (Misoprostol) is an okay medication used to prevent stomach ulcers, but can never be used by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding unless you're trying to induce labor.
- Drug class: Gastrointestinal
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (misoprostol)
Upsides
- Starts working in 30 minutes and lasts for at least 3 hours.
- Cytotec (Misoprostol) can be used while you are also taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and aspirin.
- It does a good job of lowering your chance of developing stomach ulcers caused by NSAIDs.
- Helps induce labor in women.
Downsides
- Can't be used by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, unless your doctor is trying to induce labor. It can terminate the pregnancy altogether.
- Doesn't lower the risk of intestinal ulcers (only works for stomach ulcers).
- Should be taken the entire time you're using NSAIDs if you're at risk for getting an ulcer.
- Doesn't treat stomach pain or discomfort caused by NSAIDs.
- Needs to be taken with a meal, with the last dose of the day being taken at bedtime.
Cytotec (Misoprostol) is a prostaglandin medication that protects the stomach from irritation and ulcers. It lowers the amount of acid your stomach produces and protects the lining from drugs that can irritate it. Cytotec (Misoprostol) also causes uterine contractions and cervical ripening in women to induce labor.
- Drug class: Gastrointestinal
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (misoprostol)
Used for
- Ulcer prevention from taking NSAIDs
- Peptic ulcer disease
- Miscarriage
Dosage forms
- Pill
Prices and coupons
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Pay as low as$5.4Retail priceRetail priceLearn more- Kroger PharmacyGet free coupon$5.22
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$5.60 - Rite AidGet free coupon$5.86
Side effect rates for Cytotec (Misoprostol)
- Abdominal pain7%7%
- Nausea3%3%
- Flatulence3%3%
- Headache2%2%
- Dyspepsia2%2%
The placebo bar shows how common a side effect was for people taking a sugar pill instead of Cytotec.
People taking Cytotec felt side effect more
People taking Cytotec felt side effect less
Risks and Warnings for Cytotec (Misoprostol)
Skip risks section. Skip to common concerns section.- Higher risk if:
- › Pregnancy
- › Breastfeeding
- › Women of childbearing age
Do not use Cytotec (Misoprostol) if you are pregnant. It can cause abortion (sometimes incomplete which could lead to dangerous bleeding and require hospitalization and surgery), premature birth, or birth defects. Make sure to never share this drug with someone who is or trying to become pregnant.
Pharmacist Q&A
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is this drug for?
This medication prevents complications in people with gastric ulcers.Common concerns from people taking Cytotec (Misoprostol)
Final section. Do you want to return to drug navigation?Research studies with real people or animals found harmful effects on unborn babies. If you’re pregnant, the risks to your unborn baby outweigh the benefits.
Tip: Always talk with your doctor before you take any medication while pregnant.- Take it with food to avoid getting diarrhea.
- Needs to be taken with a meal, with the last dose of the day being taken at bedtime.
- Doesn't treat stomach pain or discomfort caused by NSAIDs.