What is Cytotec: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Cytotec overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • miSOPROStol, Cytotec

Generic Names:

  • Misoprostol

Uses:

  • Prevents stomach ulcers caused by NSAIDs.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Antiulcer, Protectant, Endocrine-Metabolic Agent

Forms:

  • Tablet

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What is Cytotec used for?

Cytotec works to protect your stomach lining by lowering the amount of acid that comes in contact with it. It is used to prevent stomach ulcers during treatment with aspirin or a Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).

What form(s) does Cytotec come in

  • Tablet

What are common Cytotec doses?

  • Bottle 60 Tablets

Common Cytotec prescriptions

  • Cytotec
    100 tablets bottle

  • Cytotec
    120 tablets bottle

  • Cytotec
    2 tablets bottle

  • Cytotec
    30 tablets bottle

  • Cytotec
    40 tablets bottle

  • Cytotec
    60 tablets bottle

  • Cytotec
    8 tablets bottle

  • Cytotec
    100mcg tablet

  • Cytotec
    200mcg tablet

How to take Cytotec

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed. Take the last dose of the day at bedtime.

  • Oral routeIt is best to take this medicine with food or milk.

  • Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed. Take the last dose of the day at bedtime.

  • Oral routeIt is best to take this medicine with food or milk.

  • Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

What to do if you miss a dose of Cytotec

  • Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Oral routeAsk your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Cytotec contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to misoprostol or prostaglandins, or if you are pregnant.

Cytotec warnings

  • Do not use this medicine if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. This medicine can cause miscarriage, premature birth, or birth defects if taken during pregnancy. You will need to have a negative pregnancy test within 2 weeks before you start using this medicine. Continue to use birth control for at least 1 month after you stop using this medicine. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.

  • Begin using this medicine on the 2nd or 3rd day of your next monthly period. This is to make sure you are not pregnant.

  • Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, heart or blood vessel problems, bowel problems, or a history of stomach ulcers.

  • This medicine may cause diarrhea in some people. The diarrhea will usually disappear within a few days as your body adjusts to the medicine. However, check with your doctor if the diarrhea is severe or does not stop after a week.

  • It is dangerous for anyone else to use your medicine. Do not give this medicine to another person. Keep your unused tablets in a safe and secure place.

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Cytotec interactions

  • Using this medicine while you are pregnant can harm your unborn baby. You must have a negative pregnancy test within 2 weeks before you will be allowed to take this medicine. Use an effective form of birth control to keep from getting pregnant. If you miss a period, stop using this medicine and tell your doctor right away.

  • Begin taking this medicine on the 2nd or 3rd day of your monthly period. This is to make sure you are not pregnant.

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are breastfeeding, or if you have kidney problems, heart or blood vessel problems, stomach ulcers, Crohn disease, colitis, or other bowel problems.

  • Call your doctor right away if you have severe diarrhea, nausea, or stomach cramps or pain.

  • It is dangerous for anyone else to use your medicine. Keep your unused tablets in a safe and secure place.

  • Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.

Cytotec side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Unusual bleeding or bruising, including heavy vaginal bleeding

  • Vaginal bleeding after menopause

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Diarrhea, stomach pain

  • Mild diarrhea, constipation, indigestion, gas, nausea, stomach pain or upset

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