Cytotec

Drug name

Cytotec (Misoprostol)

Drug Uses

The drug is intended to prevent stomach ulcers that may be caused by the intake of NSAIDs especially in the situations when the patient is at high risk of ulcers. The medicine decreases the complications of ulcers and the amount of acid in the stomach thus protecting the stomach. The medicine may be used along with mifepristone with the aim of abortion.

How Taken

The medication contains an information leaflet attached that should be read carefully by the patient. In case you have any questions about how to take the medication contact your doctor. The dosage of the medication is prescribed in accordance to your condition and the effect the therapy has on you. In case you use the medicine to prevent stomach ulcer you should take the drug orally four times a day after the meals and before going to sleep to decrease the risk of diarrhea or as it is prescribed by your doctor. In case you use the medicine to stop the pregnancy you should use is orally in accordance with your doctor’s directions. In case the medication is taken to start labor your doctor should insert it into your vagina.

Avoid taking any antacids that may contain magnesium as its intake along with the cytotec therapy may lead to diarrhea. In case you need to take the antacid contact your doctor for the consultation. To prevent stomach ulcer take the cytotec along with the NSAIDs and for the same period of time. Do not forget to take the medicine to get the best effect of it. contact your doctor in case your condition remain unchanged or worsens.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Cytotec is a synthetic prostaglandin. Prostaglandins are natural substances found in the stomach as well as in other organs of the human body. In the stomach, prostaglandins are believed to protect the inner stomach lining from the ulcer-producing effects of acid, aspirin, and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), commonly used in the treatment of arthritis and other inflammatory conditions. Scientists now believe that aspirin and NSAIDs produce stomach ulceration mostly by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins in the stomach. Synthetic prostaglandin such as cytotec, given orally, has been shown to protect the stomach lining from ulcerating effects of NSAIDs.

Missed Dose

In case you have missed to take the medication take it at the time you have remembered about it but skip it in case it is the time of your next dosage and follow your usual dosage scheme. Avoid taking 2 doses at the same time.

Storage

Keep the drug at the temperature of or below 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) in a dry and dark place beyond the reach of children and pets. Avoid keeping the medication in the bathroom.

Warnings Precautions

Don’t take the drug in case there is possibility of you to be pregnant as this can lead to abortion, premature birth or certain defects of the child. Sometimes intake of the drug with the aim to start labor or cause an abortion may cause serious complications that may be dangerous to the fetus as well as to the mother. Therefore avoid become pregnant throughout cytotec therapy period and at least on monthe after it. In case you become pregnant throughout cytotec therapy period contact your doctor as soon as possible. In case you are pregnant then you should avoid taking this drug with the aim to prevent stomach ulcers caused by intake of the NSAIDs unless the risk of ulcers is higher then the risk of abortion.

In case you are female patient follow the requirements below strictly before starting the cytotec therapy. 1. negative pregnancy test in 2 weeks before the therapy. 2.use effective birth-control methods to prevent possible pregnancy. 3. find out the risks of taking the drug throughout the pregnancy period. 4. begin cytotec therapy only at the 2 or 3 day of the normal menstrual period. Do not give this medication to anyone else. Let your doctor know in case you have any allergic reactions to this drug or any allergies at all. Let the doctor also know you medical history especially any problems you had with stomach. Often intake of the alcohol will increase the risk of stomach bleeding. Contact your doctor in case you have nay other questions. In case you use the drug along with miferpristone to stop the pregnancy than the incomplete abortion may take place. The therapy period is to be accompanied by close monitor of you and your condition with the aim to see the changes you experience. Ask your doctor about whom you can contact incase of emergency. Taking the drug along with miferprictone will lead to vaginal bleeding. Don’t be afraid of it as it is possible effect but contact your doctor. Avoid breast-feeding throughout therapy period, as it is not known whether this drug appears in the breast milk or not. Contact your doctor before starting breast –feeding.

Possible Side Effects

Taking the medication may lead to nauseas or stomach crump. In case these effect lasts for a long period of time or remains worse contact you doctor. Cytotec therapy period may also lead to diarrhea. Therefore drink enough to prevent any possible dehydration. Long-lasting diarrhea may cause a great loss of your body water. Contact your doctor, in case you experience following symptoms: severe dizziness, decreased amount of urine, mental/mood changes, muscle weakness, slow/irregular heartbeat. Don’t forget that this drug is prescribed in case its benefit is quite higher then risk of its side effects. Contact your doctor at once in case you have menstrual problems or irregularities, unusual/heavy vaginal bleeding or serious allergic reaction. The signs of the allergic reaction may be: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. In case you experience any other side effects contact your doctor.

More Information

Don’t give the medication to any other person.