misoprostol

drug

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

July 16, 2026

Quick Summary

Misoprostol is a synthetic prostaglandin analog with the chemical formula C₂₂H₃₈O₅. It is used for two primary purposes:1

Preventing stomach ulcers: It is prescribed to prevent stomach ulcers that can be caused by the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).1
Inducing abortion: Misoprostol is used in conjunction with mifepristone to induce abortion in the early stages of pregnancy. When used for this purpose, it works by causing the pregnancy to pass, typically within 2 to 24 hours after taking misoprostol, following mifepristone's action of halting pregnancy growth.12

Common side effects associated with the use of misoprostol, particularly when used for abortion, include cramping, bleeding, nausea, dizziness, and back pain, which are similar to symptoms of a miscarriage.2

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

2 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

abortifacient
Modern agents
Misoprostol, administered in prescribed doses either orally or as a vaginal suppository, causes the uterus to contract much as it would at the beginning of labor or during a miscarriage. Taken alone, it is rarely sufficient to expel the embryo and placenta from the uterus,…
Read More
Misoprostol, administered in prescribed doses either orally or as a vaginal suppository, causes the uterus to contract much as it would at the beginning of labor or during a miscarriage. Taken alone, it is rarely sufficient to expel the embryo and placenta from the uterus,…
Read More

mucosal protective agent
Misoprostal is a prostaglandin analog that increases release of bicarbonate and mucin (a component of mucus) and reduces acid secretion by binding to prostaglandin receptors on parietal cells. Because NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) inhibit prostaglandin formation, a synthetic prostaglandin such as misoprostal is sometimes given…
Read More
Misoprostal is a prostaglandin analog that increases release of bicarbonate and mucin (a component of mucus) and reduces acid secretion by binding to prostaglandin receptors on parietal cells. Because NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) inhibit prostaglandin formation, a synthetic prostaglandin such as misoprostal is sometimes given…
Read More