What is "misoprostol"

n. A drug used for various purposes including the prevention of drug-induced gastric ulcers and the inducement of abortions, having the chemical formula C₂₂H₃₈O₅

Misoprostol, sold under the brandname Cytotec among others, is a medication used to start labor, cause an abortion, prevent and treat stomach ulcers, and treat postpartum bleeding due to poor contraction of the uterus. For abortions it is often used with mifepristone or methotrexate. By itself effectiveness for this purpose is between 66% and 90%. It is taken either by mouth, under the tongue, or placed in the vagina.

Common side effects include diarrhea and abdominal pain. It is pregnancy category X meaning that it is known to result in negative outcomes for the baby if taken during pregnancy. Uterine rupture may occur. It is a prostaglandin analogue — specifically, a synthetic prostaglandin E (PGE).

Misoprostol was developed in 1973. It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines, the most important medications needed in a basic health system. It is available as a generic medication. The wholesale cost in the developing world is about 0.36 to 2.00 USD a dose. A months supply to treat stomach ulcers in the United States is between 100 and 200 USD. The same costs between 30 and 55 EUR in Europe.