Have you ever heard of Misoprostol?
It is a popular medicine, also known under the name Cytotec, which is used by people for more than forty years. It has a wide range of uses, from prevention of stomach ulcers, inducing labor, post-partum bleeding to abortion.
It is mainly used in relation to pregnancy as a method which helps woman to have abortion. Therefore, it should be avoided by pregnant women who want to give birth to their children.
As every other medicine, Misoprostol has dangerous side effects, which vary across different people. You should be aware of them, prior to purchasing this drug.
Let’s learn some basic information about the uses and side effects of Misoprostol.
Uses
This medicine is used for preventing gastric ulcers, which are caused by consumption of anti-inflammatory drugs. It slows down and eventually stops the secretion of gastric acid in our organism and thus lowers the chances of getting a stomach ulcer. It’s beneficial for people who consume painkillers for longer period of time as well as for elderly people.
Misoprostol is also used for induction of labor, as it induces contractions of the cervix. It is used when women are past their pregnancy due date or if they have a very high blood pressure, which is dangerous during labor.
One of its other very important uses is to prevent post-partum haemorrhage, which can lead to death of women who give birth. It is the main method of reducing maternal death, especially in poorer countries.
Use of Misoprostol in abortion
This drug is widely use in medical abortion, either alone or in combination with another drug (mifepristone). Both medications are used together to achieve a greater effect. When used in combination, mifepristone is taken first to start the abortion process and it’s then followed by misoprostol, which is consumed in order to expel the embryo from the uterus. The abortion process is finished in a few days.
However, these drugs cause abortion only if they are taken in the early stages of pregnancy, actually in the first ten weeks. After that, the only option left is the surgical abortion.
Side effects
People who consume this drug for prevention of stomach ulcers most frequently experience diarrhea and abdominal pain as aftereffects. The diarrhea rarely leads to dehydration and it can be avoided by taking this medicine after meals and before going to bed.
Those women who take it to cause abortion, experience other types of side effects. The most common ones are bleeding and cramps. The bleeding goes along with passing blood clots. They also may experience nausea, vomiting, headaches and dizziness. These symptoms should pass in one to two days. If not, consultation with a doctor is obligatory.
In addition to these physical reactions, women might experience emotional aftereffects which last long after the abortion process. They are in the form of loneliness, anxiety, regret or anger.
Visit this page to read more about the other potential side effects.
Dosage
Misoprostol is usually taken in the form of tablets of 200 mcg for oral use. It should be taken four times a day, preferably after a meal and you should administer the last dose before going to bed. It shouldn’t be consumed in interaction with magnesium, as it increases the chances of getting diarrhea.
In cases of gastric ulcers, it should be consumed only in the period of taking the anti-inflammatory drugs. If you miss a dose, continue with the next one. Don’t make up for the missed dose. You shouldn’t take misoprostol at all, if you have an irritable stomach, heart problems or if you suffer from dehydration.
Wrap up
Misoprostol is definitely one of the most popular drugs on the market.
However, prior to making a purchase, you should be aware of all side effects that might result from it.
Be extra careful, if you purchase it for the purpose of abortion. It’s mandatory to have a consultation with your doctor about the dosage and the details you need to know about the process.
It’s better to buy it from a pharmacy. Do not trust the online vendors as you might end up tricked or with another kind of medicine!
