User:Mr. Ibrahem/Misoprostol

Misoprostol, sold under the brandname Cytotec among others, is a medication used to prevent and treat stomach ulcers, start labor, cause an abortion, and treat postpartum bleeding due to poor contraction of the uterus. For abortions it is used by itself and with mifepristone or methotrexate. By itself, effectiveness for abortion is between 66% and 90%. Misoprostol is taken by mouth when used to prevent gastric ulcers in persons taking NSAIDs. For labor induction or abortion, it is taken by mouth, dissolved in the mouth, or placed in the vagina. For postpartum bleeding it may also be used rectally.

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. In rare cases, uterine rupture may occur. It is a prostaglandin analogue — specifically, a synthetic prostaglandin E1 (PGE1).

Misoprostol was developed in 1973. It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines. 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 month's 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.