10% Off
Cytomis200 mcg
Incepta Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
৳135.00
Add to cart
Generic medicine
Misoprostol: Brands, Price & Uses in Bangladesh
Misoprostol is a synthetic prostaglandin E1 analog whose approved and guideline-supported uses differ by clinical setting.
About Misoprostol
Indications of Misoprostol
Misoprostol is a synthetic prostaglandin E1 analog whose approved and guideline-supported uses differ by clinical setting. All obstetric use of Misoprostol must occur under direct medical/hospital supervision.
Established / FDA-approved use
- Prevention of NSAID-induced gastric ulcers: Misoprostol is indicated to reduce the risk of gastric ulcers caused by long-term nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) therapy in patients at high risk of ulcer complications (e.g., elderly patients, those with a prior history of ulcer disease). It has not been shown to be effective in preventing duodenal ulcers due to NSAID use.
Guideline-supported obstetric uses (specialist/hospital supervision only)
- Labor induction and cervical ripening: Used to soften/dilate the cervix and stimulate uterine contractions when induction of labor is medically indicated.
- Prevention and treatment of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH): Recommended by WHO guidance, particularly where injectable uterotonics such as oxytocin are not available or feasible.
- Management of missed or incomplete miscarriage: Used to complete evacuation of retained products of conception under medical supervision.
Combination-therapy use
Misoprostol is used together with mifepristone (a combination regimen) for medical termination of early pregnancy, in accordance with local law and clinical guidelines; used alone, Misoprostol is less effective for this purpose than the combination regimen.
Off-label use
Cervical priming/ripening before gynecologic procedures such as hysteroscopy or intrauterine device insertion is a recognized off-label use of Misoprostol in some clinical settings.
Dosage & Administration of Misoprostol
Dosing of Misoprostol is specific to the indication and must be directed by a physician; obstetric use requires hospital/clinical monitoring.
| Indication | Typical adult dosing |
|---|---|
| Prevention of NSAID-induced gastric ulcers | 200 mcg orally 4 times daily with food, taken for the duration of NSAID therapy; 100 mcg 4 times daily may be used if 200 mcg is not tolerated. |
| Labor induction / cervical ripening (hospital setting only) | Low-dose regimens such as 25 mcg vaginally every 3–6 hours, per institutional protocol; oral regimens are also used. Continuous fetal and uterine monitoring is required. |
| Prevention of postpartum hemorrhage | Typically 600 mcg administered orally as a single dose immediately after delivery, per WHO guidance, when other uterotonics are unavailable. |
| Treatment of postpartum hemorrhage | Higher single doses (e.g., 600–1000 mcg) by the oral, sublingual, or rectal route, per institutional protocol, as part of comprehensive PPH management. |
| Missed/incomplete miscarriage management; medical termination of pregnancy | Used in specific combination regimens (commonly with mifepristone) and specific doses/routes set by the treating physician in accordance with clinical guidelines and local law. |
Before starting Misoprostol for the NSAID-ulcer-prevention indication, patients of reproductive potential must have a negative pregnancy test and be using effective contraception, because Misoprostol is not to be used in pregnancy for that indication (see Contraindications and Precautions).
Side Effects of Misoprostol
The most common side effects of Misoprostol involve the gastrointestinal tract and are generally dose-related:
- Diarrhea — the most frequent adverse effect; usually develops early in treatment and typically resolves within about a week, but occasionally requires dose reduction or discontinuation.
- Abdominal pain/cramping, nausea, dyspepsia, flatulence, and vomiting.
- Headache and dizziness have also been reported.
When Misoprostol is used for obstetric indications, additional effects related to its uterotonic action can occur, including uterine hyperstimulation (excessively frequent or prolonged contractions) and, rarely but seriously, uterine rupture — the risk of which is notably higher in women with a prior cesarean section or other uterine surgery (see Precautions and Warnings).
Contraindications of Misoprostol
Misoprostol is contraindicated in:
- Patients with known hypersensitivity to Misoprostol, other prostaglandins, or any component of the formulation.
- Pregnancy, specifically when Misoprostol is used for the NSAID-induced-ulcer-prevention indication — this is an absolute contraindication because Misoprostol is an abortifacient and can cause miscarriage, premature birth, birth defects, or uterine rupture if used for that purpose in a pregnant patient. (This does not apply to the deliberate, medically supervised use of Misoprostol for specific obstetric indications such as labor induction or pregnancy management — see Indications and Precautions and Warnings for how these two contexts differ.)
Frequently Asked Questions about Misoprostol
What is Misoprostol used for?
Misoprostol is used to prevent stomach ulcers caused by long-term NSAID use in high-risk patients, and, in hospital/specialist settings, for obstetric purposes such as labor induction, management of miscarriage, and prevention or treatment of postpartum hemorrhage. Always use Misoprostol only as prescribed by your physician for the specific indication it was recommended for.
Can I take Misoprostol if I am pregnant?
It depends entirely on why it is being used. If Misoprostol is being considered to prevent NSAID-induced ulcers, it must NOT be used in pregnancy — it can cause miscarriage, premature birth, birth defects, or uterine rupture. However, Misoprostol is deliberately used during pregnancy for certain obstetric purposes (such as labor induction or miscarriage management) but only under direct medical supervision in a clinical setting. Never take Misoprostol during pregnancy except exactly as directed by your physician.
What are the common side effects of Misoprostol?
The most common side effects of Misoprostol are diarrhea, abdominal cramping/pain, nausea, and flatulence. Diarrhea is usually mild-to-moderate, tends to start early in treatment, and often improves within about a week; taking Misoprostol with food can help reduce this.
Can Misoprostol be shared with someone else or used without a prescription?
No. Misoprostol should never be shared with another person or used without a physician's direct guidance, especially because of the serious risks Misoprostol carries in pregnancy and the need for individualized dosing depending on indication.
Is Misoprostol safe while breastfeeding?
Misoprostol and its active metabolite pass into breast milk. It should only be used while breastfeeding if clearly needed and under a physician's advice, as infant safety data are limited; your doctor can advise on precautions if Misoprostol is required during lactation.
What should I do if I take too much Misoprostol?
An overdose of Misoprostol can cause symptoms such as sedation, tremor, abdominal pain, diarrhea, low blood pressure, or (in pregnancy) strong uterine contractions. Seek immediate medical attention or contact emergency services / a poison control center right away if an overdose of Misoprostol is suspected — do not try to manage it at home.
Disclaimer
The information provided is accurate to the best of our knowledge, but it does not replace professional medical advice. We cannot guarantee its completeness or accuracy, and the absence of specific information about a drug should not be taken as an endorsement. We are not responsible for any consequences arising from this information, so please consult a healthcare professional for any concerns or questions.