Common use

Cytotec is a medication with anti acidic activity used to prevent formation of stomach ulcers in patients who take NSAIDs such as aspirin or ibuprofen. Its main component is Misoprostol, it is a synthetic prostaglandin, the substance which is produced in a stomach. Their role consists in protecting inner lining of the stomach from destructive action of NSAIDs which are supposed to destruct natural prostaglandins in the stomach. Cytotec is active starting within 30 minutes since its intake and continues for about 3 hours.

Dosage and direction

The recommended dose for adults is 0.2 mg taken 3-4 times daily with a meal. The last dose is taken before bedtime. In case of bad tolerance the dose should be reduced up to 0.1 mg.

Precautions

Due to ability of Cytotec to provoke diarrhea, it must be used very cautiously in patients with inflammatory bowel disease or any other condition to avoid dangerous conditions caused by considerable loss of fluid. The risk is diminished by taking the medication with food. Also avoid taking it with a magnesium-containing antacid.

Contraindications

Cytotec cannot be prescribed for adolescents under 18 years of age, pregnant and breastfeeding women (as it causes contraction of uterus muscle and consequently abortion, birth defects and premature birth), and patients with renal impairment.

Possible side effects

The most common adverse reactions are vomit, diarrhea, abdominal pain. In rare cases rash, drowsiness, hypo or hypertension, headache, menstrual cramps, nausea, and flatulence.

Drug interactions

No significant interaction of any medications with Cytotec has been reported.

Missed dose

If you forgot to take your dose in time, please do it as soon as you remember. But do not take if it is too late or almost time for your next dose. Do not increase your recommended dose. Take your doses at about the same time each day to avoid missing a dose.

Overdose

Symptoms of Cytotec overdose has not been determined exactly though if you experience, drowsiness, tremor, diarrhea, stomach upset, pain in the stomach, difficulty breathing, irregular heartbeat low blood pressure, seizures, fever maybe you took an excessive quantity of this medication. If you suppose that took too much of this medication seek medical attention immediately.

Storage

Store at room temperature away from moisture, sunlight, kids and pets in a tight container.

Disclaimer

We provide only general information about medications which does not cover all directions, possible drug integrations, or precautions. Information on the site cannot be used for self-treatment and self-diagnosis. Any specific instructions for a particular patient should be agreed with your health care adviser or doctor in charge of the case. We disclaim reliability of this information and mistakes it could contain. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other indirect damage as a result of any use of the information on this site and also for consequences of self-treatment.

Please find the full description of Cytotec at Drugs.com and general information at Wikipedia