Misoprostol

A to Z Drug Facts

Misoprostol

  Action
  Indications
  Contraindications
  Route/Dosage
  Interactions
  Lab Test Interferences
  Adverse Reactions
  Precautions
Patient Care Considerations
  Administration/Storage
  Assessment/Interventions
  Patient/Family Education


(MY-so-PRAHST-ole)
Cytotec
Class: Prostaglandin

 Action Synthetic prostaglandin E1 analog that inhibits gastric acid secretion and exerts mucosal-protective properties.

 Indications Prevention of gastric ulcers in high-risk patients who are taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Unlabeled use(s): Treatment of duodenal ulcers and duodenal ulcers unresponsive to H2 receptor antagonists.

 Contraindications History of allergy to prostaglandins; pregnancy.

 Route/Dosage

ADULTS: PO 100–200 mcg qid, in conjunction with NSAID therapy.

 Interactions None well documented.

 Lab Test Interferences None well documented.

 Adverse Reactions

CNS: Headache. GI: Diarrhea (dose-related, developing usually early in course of therapy and self-limiting; may require discontinuation in some patients); abdominal pain; nausea; flatulence; dyspepsia; vomiting; constipation. GI: Menstrual disorders.

 Precautions

Pregnancy: Category X. Lactation: Undetermined. Children: Safety and efficacy not established in children < 18 yr. Elderly: Reduce dosage if usual dose is not tolerated. Fertility impairment: May adversely affect fertility. Renal impairment: May reduce clearance of drug; routine dosage adjustment is not recommended unless usual dose is not tolerated. Duodenal ulcers: Not for prevention of duodenal ulcers in patients on NSAIDs. Women of childbearing potential: Contraindicated in pregnant women because of its abortifacient property. Avoid in women of childbearing potential unless patient requires NSAIDs and is at high risk of complications from gastric ulcers associated with use of NSAIDs. If used in woman of childbearing potential, patient should be capable of complying with effective contraceptive measures; have received oral and written warnings of the hazards of misoprostol, risk of possible contraception failure and danger to other women of childbearing potential should drug be taken by mistake; and have negative serum pregnancy test within 2 wk prior to starting therapy.


PATIENT CARE CONSIDERATIONS


 Administration/Storage

 Assessment/Interventions

OVERDOSAGE: SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
  Sedation, tremor, seizure, dyspnea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, fever, palpitations, hypotension, bradycardia

 Patient/Family Education

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© 2003 Facts and Comparisons
David S. Tatro
A to Z Drug Facts