Misoprostol - Side Effects, Dosage, Precautions, Uses

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Yashoda Hospitals > Medicine FAQS > Misoprostol Misoprostol: Frequently Asked Questions Answered

What Is Misoprostol?

Misoprostol is a medication taken by patients to prevent stomach ulcers. These ulcers are extremely common in people who take regular pain medications like Aspirin. Misoprostol is also a prostaglandin commonly used in obstetrics and gynaecology. It is sold in the market in the form of oral tablets. For its many applications in gastroenterology and gynecology, the World Health Organization marked it as an ‘essential drug’.

What Are The Uses of Misoprostol?

It is used in conjunction with Mifepristone in the medical termination of pregnancy. Miscarriage management, induction of labor, and treatment of cervical hemorrhage are some areas where the drug is advised. Misoprostol is also used to prevent and treat duodenal damage with the high use of Non-steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDS). Arthritis patients are commonly prescribed this drug.

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What Are The Side Effects Of Misoprostol?

The side effects of Misoprostol vary with the dosage of the drug. The commonly seen side effects include – cervical ripening and softening, contractions of the uterus during labor, fever, chills, nausea, and vomiting. Misoprostol can lead to skull defects, cranial palsies, and facial defects in the fetus. Heavy bleeding and painful uterine cramps are common in women taking Misoprostol for medical termination of pregnancy.

What is Misoprostol

Uses of Misoprostol

Side effects of Misoprostol

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Frequently Asked Questions about Misoprostol

1. How Long Will I Bleed After Taking Misoprostol?

Misoprostol is prescribed for medical termination of early pregnancy. The most common method of prescription is the oral intake of 800 ug of Misoprostol. The initial dose has a success rate of nearly 85% over 14 days if all the pregnancy contents have been expelled from the uterus. In case of failure, a second dose is recommended.

2. Should I Take A Second Dose Of Misoprostol?

In most cases, Misoprostol is prescribed orally as a single dose with a glass of water. Some doctors even recommend placing the tablet between the mouth and gums where it dissolves naturally. Pregnant ladies are advised to rest for 3-4 hours after consumption of the pills.

3. Can Misoprostol Be Taken Orally With Water?

The Misoprostol tablets are to be placed between the cheek and gum for about 30 minutes. These automatically dissolve, and particles that remain can be swallowed with a glass of water. Some patients complain of an acrid and chalky taste in the mouth, which can be unpleasant. This can also lead to bouts of nausea and vomiting.

4. How Long Does It Take For Misoprostol To Dissolve?

Bleeding with Misoprostol varies from patient to patient. Most women expel their pregnancies within four hours with mild bleeding for 7-14 days. It is normal to experience moderate to heavy bleeding. However, severe bleeding must be reported to the doctor. It is wise to monitor the bleeding with the use of sanitary towels.

5. Can I Take Mifepristone And Misoprostol At The Same Time?

Depending on the gestation period of the pregnancy, one tablet of Mifepristone is taken orally. This is followed by 4 tablets of Misoprostol over 6 hours to 48 hours. Most women do not start bleeding till after they consume the Misoprostol pill. Success rates are as high as 98% in women who follow this Mifepristone and misoprostol dosage regimen.

6. Do I Have To Wait 24 Hours To Take Misoprostol?

For termination of pregnancy, Mifepristone is taken first. Depending on the gestational period of the fetus, Misoprostol is taken between 24-36 hours after the dose of Mifepristone. This is true for women who have been pregnant for 63 days or more. In most cases, a maximum window of 48 hours is required for the intake of Misoprostol.

7. Can I Take Misoprostol 6 Hours After Mifepristone?

Orally, Mifepristone is taken as recommended by the patient's health practitioner. After taking Mifepristone, it is recommended to wait at least 24-48 hours before a Misoprostol single dose is taken. Both medications are said to be ineffective if Misoprostol is taken earlier than 24 hours.

8. Why Is Misoprostol Used In Pregnancy?

Misoprostol is recommended as a prescribed drug for the medical termination of unplanned pregnancy. It is consumed with Mifepristone for successful expulsion of the pregnancy. It is also used to induce uterine contractions and start labor after 37 weeks of gestation. Misoprostol is also prescribed to treat hemorrhage in postpartum mothers.

9. Can Misoprostol Affect Pregnancy?

Misoprostol is not recommended for pregnant women with ulcers. Misoprostol is known to cause miscarriages, birth defects in the fetus and can also lead to premature labor. For prevention of ulcers, it is advised that women have a confirmed negative pregnancy test.

10. How Quickly Does Misoprostol Dissolve?

Misoprostol is usually taken 24-48 hours after the single dose of Mifepristone for successful termination of pregnancy. Doctors advise placing the tablet between the gums and the cheek. Usually, it takes 30 minutes to dissolve. However, if the patient does not like the taste, they may swallow the tablet with water. In cases where the pill is applied vaginally or anally, it may take longer to absorb.