Misoprostol and Pregnancy

What is Misoprostol?

Misoprostol is a medication used to prevent stomach ulcers while taking NSAIDs such as aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen. Misoprostol helps to decrease your risk of serious ulcer complications such as bleeding and protects your stomach lining by lowering the amount of acid that comes in contact with it.

What are gastric ulcers?

Gastric ulcers are also known as peptic ulcers or stomach ulcers. Gastric ulcers are open sores that develop when the lining of the stomach has become damaged. They can result in abdominal pain, bleeding and more.

Precautions with Misoprostol?

Misoprostol should NOT be taken if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. This medication can cause miscarriage, premature birth, or birth defects if taken during pregnancy. In order to take this medication a patient will need to have a negative pregnancy test within 2 weeks before use.

Me so pregnant, so no misoprostol for me

To learn more, check out our Pharmacology Flashcards for nursing students.