Misoprostol

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Also indexed as:

Cytotec

Combination List

Combination drug:

• Arthrotec

Misoprostol is a type of drug called a prostaglandin E1 analog that protects the mucosal lining of the stomach and intestines. It is either used alone or in combination with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to prevent injury to stomach and intestinal tissue caused by these agents.

Herbs

Summary of Interactions for Misoprostol

Depletion or interference	None known
Adverse interaction	Magnesium
Side effect reduction/prevention	None known
Supportive interaction	None known
Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability	None known

An asterisk (*) next to an item in the summary indicates that the interaction is supported only by weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.

Interactions with Supplements

Magnesium

A common side effect of misoprostol is diarrhea, which is aggravated by taking magnesium.¹ Consequently, individuals who experience diarrhea while taking misoprostol should avoid magnesium supplementation.

Other Interactions

Food

Taking misoprostol with food may lower the maximum concentration of the drug in the blood and delay (though not decrease) absorption up to ten hours.^{2, 3} However, since ingestion of food with misoprostol may reduce the incidence of diarrhea, it is usually recommended that the drug be taken with a meal.⁴

References

1. Sifton DW, ed. Physicians Desk Reference. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 2000, 2888-91.
2. Karim A, Smith M. Biopharmaceutical profile of diclofenac-misoprostol combination tablet, Arthrotec. Scand J Rheumatol Suppl 1992;96:37-48.
3. Arns PA. Misoprostol. Am J Med Sci 1991;301:133-7.
4. Garris RE, Kirkwood CF. Misoprostol: a prostaglandin E1 analog. Clin Pharm 1989;8:627-44.

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Last Review: 01-21-2009

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