Misoprostol
Brand names
Usage
To treat and prevent stomach
ulcers in patients taking
anti-inflammatory medicaments,
including ASA. To treat duodenal ulcers.
How it works
Ongoing therapy with anti-inflammatory medicaments
can irritate and damage the stomach
lining, increasing the risk
of ulcers. Misoprostol helps
prevent ulcers and enhances
the stomach's natural healing
ability by increasing the production of protective mucus,
as well as inhibiting the secretion of stomach acid.
Side effects
- Serious
- There are no serious side effects associated with the use
of misoprostol.
- Common
- Diarrhea, mild abdominal or
stomach pain.
- Less common
- Vaginal bleeding, constipation,
cramps in lower abdomen,
gas,
headache,
nausea and vomiting.
Possible interactions
- Other medicaments:
Misoprostol taken concurrently with:
- antacids that contain magnesium may increase the risk of diarrhea; avoid
this combination. Antacids in general may decrease misoprostol
absorption and lessen its therapeutic benefits.
- indomethacin and some other NSAIDs may result in decreased NSAID levels.
- Foods:
- High-fat meals may reduce peak
blood concentration.
- Herbal medicines or minerals:
- Kola and ma huang may increase stomach acid,
blunting the benefits of these medicines.
Black cohosh root,
ginkgo and
squill are contraindicated in gastrointestinal disturbances.
Licorice root
has a Commission E monograph indication for gastrointestinal ulcers. Talk to your
doctor before
adding any herbals to this medicine.
- Alcohol:
- Alcohol can promote the development of
stomach ulcer and reduce the effectiveness of this medicament.
- Tobacco smoking:
- Nicotine is conducive to stomach ulcers.
- Discontinuation:
- Call your doctor if you have reason to stop the medicament prematurely.
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