Misoprostol

Excerpt

Misoprostol is a synthetic prostaglandin E1 analog approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for preventing and treating gastric ulcers induced by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Misoprostol has 4 primary effects, which include cytoprotection of the gastrointestinal mucosa, uterotonic properties, and the adverse effects of diarrhea, abdominal pain, and nausea. Although not FDA-approved, misoprostol is indicated for the short-term treatment of active duodenal or gastric ulcers caused by factors other than NSAIDs.