Misoprostol: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects and Interactions
Misoprostol is a prostaglandin E1 analog used to prevent NSAID-induced stomach ulcers and to end pregnancies.
Misoprostol reduces the chance of serious ulcer complications, such as bleeding. The medicine keeps the stomach lining healthy by reducing the quantity of acid that comes into contact with it. Misoprostol is also used as an abortion pill together with another medicine (Mifepristone) to terminate a pregnancy.
Uses of Misoprostol
Misoprostol has several uses, but to use it as an abortion pill, you first need to book an appointment with your healthcare provider and get to know all about how to use Misoprostol.
Follow the instructions provided by your healthcare provider for a successful medical abortion at home. Misoprostol-only abortion is also very effective for terminating a pregnancy but has shown better results when taken in combination with Mifepristone, another abortion pill.
What Does It Do: Misoprostol causes contractions in the uterus, causing cramps and heavy bleeding. By causing contractions, it forces the fetus to come out of the uterus, it can also come out in clots.
Other Uses of Misoprostol: Stomach ulcers caused by NSAIDs, inducing miscarriage or labor, and preventing postpartum hemorrhage.
Dosage of Misoprostol
To end your unwanted pregnancy with Misoprostol, visit your healthcare provider to learn the correct dosage and how to administer it. Following is the standard dosage of taking Misoprostol:
Misoprostol with Mifepristone: If you are taking Misoprostol after taking Mifepristone, then the standard dosage to take Misoprostol is four tablets of 200 mcg each.
How to Take: You can take it orally, buccally (keep two tablets in each of the cheek pockets and let them dissolve), sublingually (keep the tablets under your tongue and let them dissolve), or vaginally (insert the tablets in your vagina and let them dissolve).
Misoprostol – Only: If you are taking only Misoprostol to end your pregnancy, you need to take 3-4 doses of Misoprostol or as directed by your healthcare professional. First, take 4 pills (one at a time) through the vagina. After 3 hours, do the same procedure, and the same thing after another 3 hours, so in total, you have to take 12 pills.
How to Take: For Misoprostol-only abortions, women prefer the vaginal method the most because it’s easier.
What Are the Side Effects of Misoprostol?
Abortion pill Misoprostol, just like any other medicine, can cause some side effects. These side effects are usually mild and do not cause any major complications. Some of the side effects include:
- Nausea
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Heavy bleeding, or clots
Cramps and bleeding can last several hours. It’s the heaviest when the pregnancy tissues come out, and it gradually decreases after that. Most people release their pregnancy tissue in 4-5 hours, although it can take longer. You may experience cramps on and off for another one or two days.
Misoprostol Interactions
While using Misoprostol, avoid ingesting magnesium-containing antacids because they could worsen the diarrhea. If you require an antacid, consult your doctor or pharmacist to help you choose one.
Misoprostol can result in birth defects, early birth, uterine rupture, miscarriage, incomplete miscarriage, and severe uterine hemorrhage. If you are pregnant, do not take Misoprostol to avoid stomach ulcers.
