Misoprostol is a synthetic prostaglandin E1 analogue developed in 1973, originally created to treat gastric ulcers. It works by binding to prostaglandin receptors, which can produce uterine contractions and ripen the cervix, and beyond ulcer prevention it is used to induce labor, to help manage miscarriage, and to treat postpartum bleeding caused by a poorly contracting uterus. Its use for ending pregnancy emerged unexpectedly in 1980s Latin America, when women noticed that it could cause miscarriage as a side effect. Misoprostol appears on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines and is available as a generic medication.
Facts
Drug ClassSynthetic prostaglandin (prostaglandin E1 analogue) 1 Mechanism of ActionBinds to myometrial cells to cause strong uterine contractions 1 Approved UsePrevents and treats stomach and duodenal ulcers; induces labor; treats postpartum bleeding 1 First Approved / Isolated Year Significant RiskClassified in pregnancy category X, meaning it is known to result in negative pregnancy outcomes; rare uterine rupture can occur 1 Classification
Approval Status ATC ClassSourced to the subject's own accountA: Alimentary Tract and Metabolism 2 Route of Administration WHO Essential MedicineSourced to the subject's own account Sources
1. Misoprostol (Wikipedia)
Lead section
Misoprostol is a synthetic prostaglandin medication
Mechanism of action section
Misoprostol, a prostaglandin analogue, binds to myometrial cells to cause strong myometrial contractions
Medical uses overview section
Misoprostol was developed in 1973 and first created for the treatment of gastric ulcers
Lead section, pregnancy category sentence
It is in pregnancy category X, meaning that it is known to result in negative outcomes
Lead section, paragraph 1
used to prevent and treat stomach and duodenal ulcers, induce labor
- Regulatory approval status
View the Source2. Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical Classification System (Wikipedia)
WikipediaFirst-level anatomical group codes, Code AQuote, First-level anatomical group codes, Code A
Alimentary tract and metabolism
3. Wikipedia
Wikipedia contributors, Wikimedia Foundationhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Misoprostol, lead sectionQuote, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Misoprostol, lead section
bleeding due to poor contraction of the uterus. It is taken by mouth when used to prevent gastric ulcers in people taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID). For abortions it is typically used in conjunction with mifepristone or methotrexate, but can
4. WHO Model List of Essential Medicines (Wikipedia)
WikipediaWHO Model List of Essential Medicines, Medicines for medical abortion sectionQuote, WHO Model List of Essential Medicines, Medicines for medical abortion section
Misoprostol
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is a drug developed for stomach ulcers also used in obstetrics?
Its prostaglandin action causes uterine contractions as well as protecting against ulcers.
Misoprostol was developed in 1973 and first created to treat gastric ulcers. It is a synthetic prostaglandin that binds to myometrial cells and causes strong uterine contractions, which is why it is also used to induce labor and to treat postpartum bleeding. It is in pregnancy category X, meaning it is known to result in negative pregnancy outcomes. This is a description of what the sources record, not medical advice.
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