Description
How does it Work?
Cytotec is a medication commonly used orally to help initiate labor in women. It works by softening the cervix, making dilation easier and triggering contractions.
Additionally, Cytotec 200 mcg pills are often combined with Mifepristone tablets to induce abortion in women who are less than nine weeks pregnant.
This combination medication regimen opens the cervix and enhances the contractions caused by Mifepristone, facilitating the emptying of the uterus.
Typically, four tablets are administered for pregnancy termination, and they can be taken either orally or vaginally.
When used properly, Cytotec is generally considered safe and effective in aiding labor for women.
Uses
Recommended Dose
To terminate early pregnancy, it’s advised to take four tablets of Cytotec 200 mcg. These tablets can be taken orally or inserted vaginally.
For vaginal administration: Insert the pills one at a time into your vagina, pushing them in as far as possible.
For oral administration: Place the four pills in your cheek pouch or gums and allow them to dissolve for 20 to 25 minutes. Once dissolved, swallow any remaining fragments with water.
For adults aiming to prevent NSAID-induced gastric ulcers, the typical oral dosage of Cytotec is 200 mcg, taken four times daily alongside meals.
If this dose isn’t well tolerated, your doctor may recommend a lower dosage of 100 mcg. Adhere to your physician’s prescribed duration of NSAID therapy while taking Cytotec.
We suggest you to take it with food, and the final dose of the day should be taken at bedtime.[2]
Missed Dose
If you’re taking this pill daily and happen to miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if the next dose is due shortly, it’s best to skip the missed dose. Taking two doses at the same time can result in an overdose.
Overdose
Overdosing on this medicine can cause various side effects. If you experience severe side effects, seek medical help immediately.
Side Effects
While using the Cytotec, be mindful of potential side effects that may arise.
- Diarrhea
- Severe dehydration
- Spotting
- Cramps
- Heavy periods
- Irregular periods
- Painful periods (dysmenorrhea)
- Nausea
- Flatulence
- Headache
- Indigestion
- Vomiting
- Constipation
If any of these side effects occur, it’s essential to seek medical attention immediately.
Safety Advice
Using Cytotec (Misoprostol) during pregnancy carries several risks, including the possibility of birth defects, abortion, premature birth, or uterine rupture.
Uterine rupture incidents have been reported when Cytotec was employed to induce labor or abortion in pregnant women.
The risk of uterine rupture rises as pregnancy progresses and with a history of uterine surgery, including cesarean delivery.[4]
It’s not advisable for pregnant women to take Cytotec to prevent ulcers caused by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
However, Cytotec may be considered for women at high risk of complications from NSAID-related gastric ulcers or those at high risk of developing gastric ulcers.
Conditions for use include[4]
- having a negative serum pregnancy test within two weeks before starting therapy
- the ability to use effective contraceptive methods
- receiving oral and written warnings about misoprostol’s risks and potential for contraception failure
- starting Cytotec on the second or third day of the next regular menstrual period.
Medical Interactions
When combining pain medication (NSAIDs) with misoprostol, rare side effects like increased liver enzymes and limb swelling may occur.
However, misoprostol doesn’t alter the function of NSAIDs in your body, as confirmed by studies conducted with drugs like
- Ibuprofen
- Diclofenac
- Piroxicam
- Aspirin
- Naproxen
- Indomethacin
Moreover, Misoprostol is primarily metabolized by a system handling fats and doesn’t interfere with a specific liver enzyme called P450.
While combining misoprostol with propranolol (a heart medication) may slightly increase propranolol levels in the body over time, it’s not considered a major concern.
Antacids with Magnesium
Avoid using antacids containing magnesium while taking misoprostol, as they could exacerbate the diarrhea caused by misoprostol.
Interaction with Alcohol
Consumption of alcohol can increase the likelihood of experiencing side effects. It’s advisable to refrain from alcohol consumption while taking misoprostol.
Storage
Store this medication below 30°C (86°F). It’s best to keep it in the original packaging to protect it from moisture.
FAQs
-
What is Cytotec (Misoprostol) 200mcg used for?
Cytotec (Misoprostol) 200mcg is used for various gynecological indications, including termination of pregnancy, management of miscarriage, and postpartum hemorrhage. It is also used for induction of labor.
-
Are Misoprostol and Cytotec the same?
Misoprostol and Cytotec are the same. Cytotec is the brand name for misoprostol.
-
How long does it take for miscarriage to work with Cytotec?
Cytotec (misoprostol) usually causes a miscarriage within 24 hours. In the first trimester, 600–800 mcg is taken orally, and in the second trimester, 400–800 mcg is inserted vaginally.
-
Is Cytotec a brand or generic?
Cytotec is a brand-name drug. It is used to induce labor and prevent stomach ulcers during treatment with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Refrences
- Moore ML. Misoprostol-is more research needed? J Perinat Educ. 2002 Summer;11(3):43-7. doi: 10.1624/105812402X88849. PMID: 17273309; PMCID: PMC1595114. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1595114/
- CYTOTEC® Dosage and Administration (MISOPROSTOL) (no date) CYTOTEC® Dosage and Administration (misoprostol) | Pfizer Medical Information – US. Available at: https://www.pfizermedicalinformation.com/en-us/cytotec/dosage-admin
- Raymond EG, Harrison MS, Weaver MA. Efficacy of Misoprostol Alone for First-Trimester Medical Abortion: A Systematic Review. Obstet Gynecol. 2019 Jan;133(1):137-147. doi: 10.1097/AOG.0000000000003017. PMID: 30531568; PMCID: PMC6309472. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30531568/
- Cytotec® Misoprostol tablets (no date) labeling.pfizer.com. https://labeling.pfizer.com/showlabeling.aspx?id=559
Written by: Samuel
Published on: April 28, 2022
Last Modified on: December 18, 2024
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