Misoprostol

Generic Name : Misoprostol

TradeName : Riprostil, Enprostil.

Why it is prescribed (Indications) : Misoprostol is used to prevent ulcers in people who take certain arthritis medications, including aspirin, that can cause ulcers. It protects the stomach lining and decreases stomach acid secretion.

When it is to be taken : Misoprostol usually is taken four times a day, after meals and at bedtime with food. Misoprostol must be taken regularly to be effective. Follow the instructions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor to explain any part that you do not understand. Women should not take their first dose until the second or third day of their menstrual period to be sure that they are not pregnant.

How it should be taken : Misoprostol comes in the form of tablets. Your prescription label tells you how much to take at each dose.

Special Instruction :
1. Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Women who may be pregnant will have a blood test to make sure that they are not pregnant.
2. Do not stop taking misoprostol without consulting your doctor. Contact your doctor immediately if you vomit blood or have bloody or black, tarry stools. These symptoms may indicate that you have an ulcer.
3. Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if yo have diarrhoea, omit the missed dose and take your next dose at the regularly scheduled time. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.

Side Effects :
1. Diarrhoea. Do not take misoprostol with antacids that contain magnesium. Ask your doctor for advice on what antacid to take.
2. If diarrhoea persists for more than a week, contact your doctor. Your dose of misoprostol may need to be reduced.
3. Headache, abdominal pain, nausea, gas, vomiting, constipation, digestion. If these effects are severe or persist, contact your doctor.

Other Precautions :
1. Do not use misoprostol if you are pregnant, think that you may be pregnant, or are breast-feeding. Misoprostol can cause miscarriages and serious bleeding if taken during pregnancy. Use a reliable birth-control method while taking this drug.
2. If you become pregnant while taking misoprostol, stop taking it and contact your doctor immediately.
3. Before taking misoprostol, tell your doctor what prescription and nonprescription drugs you are taking, especially antacids, aspirin medication.
4. Do not allow anyone else, particularly a woman who may become pregnant, to take this medication.

Storage Conditions :
Store misoprostol in the container it came in, tightly closed, and away from excess heat. Keeep it out of the reach of children.