What is Misoprostol?

Misoprostol is a medication used to start labor, induce abortions, prevent and treat stomach ulcers, and treat postpartum bleeding due to insufficient contraction of the uterus. or methotrexate.

Common side effects include diarrhea and abdominal pain. It is pregnancy category X meaning that it is known to result in negative fetal outcomes if taken during pregnancy. Uterine rupture may occur.

It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines, the most important medications needed in a basic health system. Misoprostol was invented and marketed by G.D. Searle & Company (now Pfizer) under the trade name Cytotec, but other trade names and generic formulations are available.