Cytotec – Is it Safe? Uses, Side effects and Dosage
What is Cytotec?
Cytotec is a branded medication for initiating labor, making abortion and the prevention of ulcers. It was discovered and developed in 1973. It is a synthetic prostaglandin E1 analogue drug. These oral tablets contain about 100 mcg (microgram) to 200 mcg of misoprostol. It is marketed by Pfizer.
Cytotec – Is it Safe? Uses, Side effects and Dosage
What is the Generic Name(s)?
What is its composition?
How does it work?
What are its uses?
How effective is this medicine?
Is it addictive?
What is the Dosage of Cytotec?
What if I miss a dose?
What to do in case of overdosage?
What to do if there is an allergic reaction?
What are the Side effects?
Does this medicine has any drug interactions?
Can it be taken with food?
Can it be taken with alcohol?
Can it be taken on an empty stomach?
What are the precautions I need to take?
Is it safe to use if I am pregnant?
Is it safe to use if I am breastfeeding?
Can this medicine be given to Children and Infants?
Is this medicine available as Over The Counter (OTC) product?
Frequently Asked Questions
Reference
What is the Generic Name(s)?
The Generic name for Cytotec is Misoprostol.
What is its composition?
Cytotec is composed of one active ingredient and various inactive ingredients.
The active ingredient of this drug is Misoprostol(100 mcg (microgram) to 200 mcg of misoprostol).
The inactive ingredients present in Cytotec tablets are as follows,
- Hydrogenated castor oil
- Hypromellose
- Microcrystalline cellulose
- Sodium Starch Glycolate
How does it work?
This Misoprostol has both Anti-secretory properties and mucosal protective properties. It protects the stomach lining by inhibiting the increased level secretion of gastric acid in the intestine.
Consuming of NSAIDs involves the inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis and cause deficiency of prostaglandins in the gastric mucosa. It results in decreasing of secretion of bicarbonate and mucus and can cause mucosal damage (even results in gastric ulcer).
These tablets can increase the level of bicarbonate and mucus production. So it is, therefore, causes the misoprostol to reduce the mucosal damage and prevents the occurrence of gastric ulcer.
What are its uses?
Some major uses of these tablets are listed below:
- Prevention of Ulcer: When you are taking NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti Inflammatory Drugs) such as Aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen, it may lead to the risk of developing ulcers. This drug is used to prevent or decrease the stomach ulcers. It also helps to reduce the complication of ulcers (such as bleeding). It acts by inhibition of secretion of gastric acid by acting upon gastric parietal cells.
- Abortion: Misoprostol is used in aborting the foetus instead of surgical procedure. This medication is used alone but it is most effective when it is consumed along with mifepristone or methotrexate to perform an abortion (end of pregnancy). Using this drug is less invasive, autonomous, discreet and self-directed.
- Induction of Labor: Misoprostol is usually used to induce labor pain. On inserting into the vagina, it causes contraction of uterine muscles and ripening of cervix.
- Failed Miscarriage: In case, if the foetus died in the uterus but it does not result in miscarriage. On this condition, this medicine is used to treat the mother.
- Postpartum bleeding: This tablet is used in the treatment of preventing postpartum bleeding. It is relatively safe and has no side effects when compared with other drugs. Also, it is thermostable and not so expensive method.
- It protects the stomach lining.
- It is used to treat Haemorrhage occurred after delivery of the baby.
- It is used to prevent ulcer causes in the duodenum due to the stomach acid.
How effective is this medicine?
The efficiency and potency of this drug are rapid and great. It may take up to 30 minutes to show its effect and lasts long up to 2 hours.
In the process of abortion or inducing labor, the efficiency would be fast which may vary according to the health condition of women.
Is it addictive?
No, this medicine is not addictive. This medicine does not have the capacity to be addictive or habit forming.
What is the Dosage of Cytotec?
The dosage may vary according to the condition which has to be treated. It depends on
- Type of the condition
- The weight of the person
- Age of the person
- Health condition
- Allergic reactions
The common oral dosage of this drug for adults is 200 mcg (microgram) to treat the gastric ulcers or other types of ulcers which are induced by the NSAIDs. It can be taken four times a day with food or after the meal. The dosage can be reduced to even 100 mcg with the advice of your physician.
What if I miss a dose?
If you missed a dose of this drug, try to take it as soon as you remember it. But avoid taking the missed dosage if it is already time for next dosage. It is because it may lead to the consumption of double dosage (which is overdosage).
What to do in case of overdosage?
If you had overdosed this drug, you may feel symptoms such as Troubled breathing. It may lead to death or coma and so seek the help of medical emergency as soon as possible. The other symptoms of overdose are Severe Drowsiness or dizziness, seizures, irregular heartbeat (which is decreased or slow heartbeat).
What to do if there is an allergic reaction?
This drug has however reported having very serious allergic reactions. Its symptoms are observed are as follow,
- Skin Rashes
- Itching
- Swelling in body parts (especially in lips, tongue and face)
- Peeling of skin
- Troubled breathing
- Wheezing
The allergic reactions occur when your body responds adversely to the active (or inactive) ingredients present in the drug. So consult your doctor about the allergic substances to which you are allergic to before use.
Once you notice the symptoms of any allergic reactions, try to get the help and advise of your physician as soon as possible to avoid further serious allergic conditions.
What are the Side effects?
Some common side effects observed for this drug are as follows,
- Diarrhoea (most common)
- Dehydration
- Mineral imbalance
- Dizziness
- Decreased level of urination
- Irregular heartbeat (slow or decreased rate of the heartbeat)
- Changes in mood or mental behaviour
- Problems or irregularities in Menstrual cycle
- Muscle weakness
- Tiredness
- Severe drowsiness
- Unusual or heavy vaginal bleeding
- Troubled breathing problems
- Nausea
- Stomach or Abdominal cramps
- Tightness in the chest
- Abnormal breathing or talking
- Uterine rupture
- Constipation
- Vomiting
- Flatulence
- Headache
- Dyspepsia
- Uterine Hyperstimulation
- Stomach pain
Does this medicine has any drug interactions?
Some common medications which are observed in combination with this medicine are considered to have high risks or moderate risks in health. These risks may result in reducing the efficiency of this drug or may lead to the .dangerous side effects.
Those drugs are,
- Antacids
- Advil
- Cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3)
- Oxytocin
- Vicodin
- Paracetamol
- Tylenol
- Pitocin
- Magnesium sulfate
- Neurontin
- Norvasc
- Oxycodone
- Nexium
- Mirena
- Metformin
- Methergine
- Lipitor
- Lyrica
- Ibuprofen
- Gabapentin
- Hemabate
- Hydrochlorothiazide
- Diclofenac
- Colace
- Cymbalta (Duloxetine)
Can it be taken with food?
Yes, it can be taken with food and in fact, women would feel the effect of this drug. So it is prefered to consume these tablets either with food or after meals.
Can it be taken with alcohol?
No, this drug cannot be taken with alcohol. When you consume alcohol while taking this drug, it may severe the effect of ulcers and causes stomach bleeding. At the time of the abortion, it may reduce its effect to abort the foetus and leads to further complications.
Can it be taken on an empty stomach?
No, this drug cannot be taken on an empty stomach. It is because it will have more potency when it is taken with food or after meals.
What are the precautions I need to take?
- If you face any serious side effects or any retardation in health issues, try to consult your doctor immediately.
- Always inform your doctor if you are allergic to the active ingredients or inactive ingredients present in the drug before use.
- Consult your doctor if you are consuming or planning to consume any other drugs, vitamin supplements and other herbal medicines.
- Avoid consuming alcohol and prevent smoking to prevent bleeding in the stomach.
- Don’t take this drug if you have intestinal, liver or kidney diseases.
Is it safe to use if I am pregnant?
No, it isn’t safe to use if you are pregnant. Avoid this drug if you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant. It causes the contractions in smooth muscles of the uterus which can affect the foetus inside.
Is it safe to use if I am breastfeeding?
No, it isn’t safe to use this medicine if you are breastfeeding. When a feeding women take this drug, it may pass into the breast milk. It may result in causing serious side effects or death in the infant. Sometimes, it may cause an adverse effect on the health of the mother.
Can this medicine be given to Children and Infants?
No, this medicine cannot be given to Children and Infants. It is not safe for both children and infants. So, it is not recommended or prescribed for them unless it is necessary (such as for ulcer) and prescribed by the doctor.
Is this medicine available as Over The Counter (OTC) product?
Yes, the medicine Cytotec is available as Over The Counter (OTC) product.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can you store this drug?
These cytotec tablets should be stored at room temperature (which is about 25-degrees Celcius) and away from direct heat or light or moisture. Don’t keep the drug container open for a long time as it may lose its efficiency. The reduction of potential effect present in this drug occurs when the drug at a low temperature (freezing temperature) inside the refrigerator. Keep it away from children and pets.
What happens if I take expired medicine?
The tablets after its expiry date lose its potency to treat the medical conditions. But sometimes it may lead to the serious side effects and so it is relatively safe to take advise from your doctor regarding the expired drug.
When to avoid this drug?
It is always safe to avoid this drug if you have a history in the following medical conditions,
- Allergic reactions to any one of the active ingredient or inactive ingredient present in this drug (such as allergic to magnesium)
- Allergic towards to Prostaglandins
- Bleeding disorder
- Breastfeeding
- Diabetes
- Troubled breathing
- Kidney or liver disease
- Stomach or Intestinal disease (such as Inflammatory bowel disease)
What is the price of the drug?
The price of this drug (100 mcg) for about 28 tablets is $90.
What happens when the drug is stopped abruptly?
When you abruptly stop consuming this drug, it would result in the adverse effects of its efficiency. So it is safe when the drug is stopped abruptly.
What is the effect of this drug on organs?
- This drug may affect the functioning of the liver as it is metabolized in the liver (for about 60% to 80%).
- Patients who have a medical history in kidney disease would also get affected by consuming this as it is excreted through the kidney. Hence the dosage of this drug is prescribed separately in the condition of Renal impairment.
- As this medication is used in abortion, it may affect the uterus and often use of this drug may result in Infertility of the reproductive system.
What is the Pharmacokinetics of this drug?
This drug is extensively absorbed by the cells or tissues in the body. The drug binds to the protein to the maximum which is about 80% to 90%. It is actively metabolized in the liver. This medicine is excreted by kidney through urine (about 80%). The half-life elimination of this medicine is about 30 to 40 minutes.
Can I drive after taking this drug?
No, you cannot drive after taking these tablets. Avoid driving or operating any heavy types of machinery if you feel tiredness or drowsiness after taking this drug.
How to take this drug?
As this drug is used for various medical conditions, the consumptions method of this drug may also vary according to the purpose it is used.
- If you are taking these tablets to treat stomach ulcer which occurs due to the effect of NSAIDs, take it orally by mouth. Take the tablets four times a day at a regular interval of time with food or after meals. This drug should be taken during bedtime. Remember that this drug should be taken in same time for each and every day for better results.
- If it is taken for abortion, consume this medication by mouth according to the advice of your physician.
- In case of using this medicine is used in the process of inducing labour at the time of pregnancy, the drug would be inserted in the vagina by medical professionals.
Reference
Wikipedia page on Prostaglandin
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