Misoprostol

The recommended adult dose of misoprostol ranges from 400 µg to 800 µg daily, taken in 2 to 4 equally divided doses (e.g., 100 µg 4 times daily, 200 µg twice daily, 200 µg 4 times daily).

Misoprostol should be taken with food or milk to reduce the risk of side effects, such as Diarrhea. Also, to reduce the risk of diarrhea, avoid antacids that contain magnesium. Antacids containing aluminum (but not magnesium) may be used to relieve symptoms such as heartburn.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important to take Misoprostol exactly as prescribed by the doctor. Misoprostol may cause loose stools, diarrhea, and abdominal cramping while your body adjusts to it. These symptoms should go away within a few days. Do not stop the medication without first talking with your doctor.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Store Misoprostol at room temperature, protect it from moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

In addition to its desired action, this medication may cause some adverse effects, notably: it may cause headaches; it may cause diarrhea; it may cause stomach ache. Each person may react differently to a treatment. If you think this medication may be causing adverse effects (including those described here, or others), talk to your health care professional. He or she can help you to determine whether or not the medication is the source of the problem.

100 µg
Each round, white, flat-faced, bevelled-edged tablet engraved "MISO" over "100" on one side contains 100 µg misoprostol. Nonmedicinal ingredients: microcrystalline cellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, croscarmellose sodium, and magnesium stearate.

200 µg
Each hexagonal, white, flat-faced, bevelled-edged tablet scored and engraved "MISO" over "200" on one side contains 200 µg misoprostol. Nonmedicinal ingredients: microcrystalline cellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, croscarmellose sodium, and magnesium stearate.

Misoprostol should not be taken by anyone who:

• is allergic to misoprostol or to any of the ingredients of the medication
• is pregnant

There may be an interaction between misoprostol and any of the following:

• antacids (e.g., aluminum hydroxide, calcium carbonate, magnesium hydroxide)
• oxytocin

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with Misoprostol. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the Nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Misoprostol.

Diarrhea: Rare instances of severe diarrhea leading to dehydration have been reported with use of Misoprostol. People with an underlying condition such as irritable bowel disease or those for whom dehydration would be dangerous should be monitored closely by their doctor.

Epilepsy: Epileptic seizures have been reported with medications like misoprostol when administered by routes other than oral (by mouth). Therefore, misoprostol should be used by people with epilepsy only when their epilepsy is adequately controlled and the expected benefits outweigh the potential risks.

Pregnancy: Women who may become pregnant should use adequate birth control (e.g., birth control pills, condoms, or intrauterine devices) while taking misoprostol. Since misoprostol increases the risk of miscarriage, a woman who may be pregnant should not start taking misoprostol until she is sure that she is not pregnant. If you suspect you are pregnant, stop the medication and contact your doctor.

Breast-feeding: Breast-feeding mothers should not take misoprostol, as it may cause significant diarrhea for breast-feeding infants.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of Misoprostol have not been established for children and adolescents under 18 years of age.

This medication is typically used 4 times a day. However, your pharmacist may have suggested a different schedule that is more appropriate for you. Take it regularly and continuously to maintain its beneficial effects. Important: Follow the instructions on the label. Do not use more of this product, or more often, than prescribed. Avoid using or consuming substances that may irritate your stomach, such as: Cigarettes Alcohol and alcohol-containing products Coffee, tea and chocolate Acidic or spicy food Fried foods It is preferable to take this medication with a meal or a snack in order to reduce adverse effects. Information on this sheet does not apply when this medication is administered vaginally to dilate the cervix or trigger cervical contractions.