$Unique_ID{BRK03242}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{misoprostol}
$Subject{Cytotec Searle Prostaglandin E1 analog gastrointestinal protective
agent misoprostol stomach ulcers nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs NSAIDs
aspirin, carprofen diclofenac diflunisal fenoprofen flurbiprofen ibuprofen
indomethacin ketoprofen meclofenamate mefenamic acid naproxen phenylbutazone
piroxicam salsalate sulindac tolmetin pain arthritis ulcer prostaglandins
acid mucus secretion}
$Volume{}
$Log{}

Copyright (C) 1993 Publications International, Ltd.


misoprostol
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BRAND NAME (Manufacturer)

     Cytotec (Searle)

TYPE OF DRUG

     Prostaglandin E1 analog (gastrointestinal protective agent)

INGREDIENT

     misoprostol

DOSAGE FORM

     Tablets (200 mcg)

STORAGE

     Store at room temperature in a tightly closed container.

USES

     Misoprostol is used to prevent stomach ulcers in people who are taking
nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).  NSAIDs (such as aspirin,
carprofen, diclofenac, diflunisal, fenoprofen, flurbiprofen, ibuprofen,
indomethacin, ketoprofen, meclofenamate, mefenamic acid, naproxen,
phenylbutazone, piroxicam, salsalate, sulindac, or tolmetin) are frequently
prescribed to treat pain or arthritis.  NSAIDs have been shown to cause ulcers
in some patients.  Misoprostol belongs to a group of chemicals called
prostaglandins, which protect the stomach by decreasing the secretion of acid
and increasing the secretion of mucus.

TREATMENT

     This medication should be taken with meals and at bedtime, unless
otherwise directed by your doctor.
     If you miss a dose, take the missed dose as soon as possible, unless it
is almost time for your next dose.  If that is the case, do not take the
missed dose at all; just return to your regular dosing schedule.  Never take a
double dose.
     Misoprostol treatment should continue for as long as you take a NSAID.
This medication should be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     Abdominal pain, change in appetite, constipation, diarrhea, flatulence,
gas and bloating, heartburn, menstrual cramps and abnormal bleeding, nausea,
or vomiting.

     Major.

     Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
particularly bothersome.  IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR ABOUT
chest pain, difficulty in breathing, postmenopausal vaginal bleeding, or rash.

INTERACTIONS

     Antacids decrease the absorption of misoprostol into the bloodstream.
However, antacids do not appear to decrease the beneficial effects of
misoprostol in preventing ulcers.  Consult your doctor before using antacids
with this product.
     Before starting to take misoprostol, BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
any other medications you are currently taking.

WARNINGS

     * Misoprostol should not be taken by anyone with a history of allergy to
prostaglandins.
     * Tell your doctor immediately if you develop a rash while taking this
medication.
     * Women should notify their doctors immediately if they experience any
abnormal vaginal bleeding while taking this medication.
     * Women of child-bearing age must use extreme caution not to become
pregnant while taking misoprostol.  This medication may cause miscarriage.
Miscarriages caused by misoprostol may be incomplete, which could lead to
potentially dangerous bleeding.  ANY WOMAN WHO IS PREGNANT OR PLANS TO BECOME
PREGNANT SHOULD NOT TAKE MISOPROSTOL.  If you are taking misoprostol and
discover that you are pregnant, stop taking the drug immediately and call your
doctor.
     * Nursing mothers should not take misoprostol.  The body converts it to
misoprostol acid, which can pass into breast milk and cause diarrhea in the
nursing infant.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.