What Is Cytotec Used For?

Cytotec contains misoprostol, which is very similar to natural substances called prostaglandins that occur in your stomach and other parts of your body. It helps make your stomach produce less acid and protects your stomach lining from damage.

Primary Uses

Cytotec is used to treat acute ulcers in the stomach (gastric ulcers) or in the first part of the small intestine (duodenal ulcers). It also prevents stomach ulcers in patients at high risk, especially those caused by anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs). Additionally, it prevents stress-induced bleeding in the stomach or upper intestine in hospital patients after surgery.

How It Works

When natural prostaglandins in your stomach are lower than normal, there’s a risk of ulcers developing. This often happens as a side effect of NSAID medicines. Cytotec works by making your stomach produce less acid and strengthening the stomach lining to help prevent ulcers.

How to Take Cytotec

Take Cytotec exactly as your doctor has prescribed. The medication works best when taken with food and should be used regularly at the same time each day.

Dosage Instructions

The usual dosage is one tablet two, three, or four times a day. Cytotec is best taken with food – do not take it on an empty stomach. If you’re taking an NSAID, Cytotec may be prescribed for as long as you’re taking the NSAID, whether or not you have stomach pain, since some ulcers are painless.

What If You Miss a Dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. However, if it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose when you’re meant to. If you have trouble remembering when to take your medicine, ask your pharmacist for some hints.

Available Tablet Strengths

Side Effects

Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.

Common Side Effects

These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:

• Stomach pains
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Wind (flatulence)
• Indigestion (heartburn)
• Constipation
• Headaches
• Chills
• Fever
• Dizziness
• Menstrual problems such as spotting or heavier than normal bleeding

Important Warnings

There are several important situations where Cytotec should not be used, and certain medical conditions that require discussion with your doctor before starting treatment.

Who Should Not Take Cytotec

Do not take Cytotec if you are allergic to misoprostol or any prostaglandin medicine, or any ingredients in the medication. Do not use if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or if there’s any possibility you may be pregnant. Do not take if you are breastfeeding. Do not use after the expiry date or if packaging shows signs of tampering.

Medical Conditions to Discuss

Check with your doctor if you have epilepsy, asthma, diseases of the heart or blood vessels, or bowel disease. Also inform your doctor if you take any other medicines, including those bought without prescription, or if you’re allergic to any other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Cytotec must not be used by pregnant women as it may cause miscarriage, which could lead to potentially dangerous bleeding, hospitalization, surgery, infertility, or death. If it’s possible for you to become pregnant, use adequate contraception while taking Cytotec. The medication passes into breast milk, so it’s not recommended if you’re breastfeeding.

Drug Interactions

Some medicines may interfere with Cytotec and affect how it works. Always tell your doctor or pharmacist about all medicines you’re taking.

• Antacids containing magnesium (should be avoided – use aluminum-containing antacids instead)
• Other medicines (specific interactions detailed in full prescribing information)

Alcohol & Driving

Be cautious with activities requiring alertness and inform your doctor about alcohol consumption while taking Cytotec.

Alcohol

Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol while taking Cytotec.

Driving and Operating Machinery

Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how Cytotec affects you.

Storage

Store Cytotec in a cool dry place where the temperature stays below 25°C, away from moisture, heat, or sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom, near a sink, in the car, or on window sills. Keep tablets in their blister pack until it’s time to take them, and keep where young children cannot reach.

Overdose Information

If you think you have used too much Cytotec, seek urgent medical attention immediately. Phone the Poisons Information Centre Australia (13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital, even if there are no signs of discomfort. Signs of overdose may include sedation (feeling sleepy), shaking, fits, shortness of breath, stomach pains, diarrhea, uterine contractions, heart palpitations, low blood pressure, or slow heart beat.

Frequently Asked Questions