CYTOTEC (MISOPROSTOL)

Cytotec Description

Cytotec or Misoprostol generic can be prescribed to treat and help prevent stomach and intestinal ulcers that have resulted from taking non-steroidal anti inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including aspirin and ibuprofen. Most NSAIDs are non-selective cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitors, which are enzymes responsible for producing prostaglandins that cause inflammation. The generic alternative is not manufactured by the company that makes the brand product.

Most of your cells contain COX-1 as it plays a part of your body’s normal cellular maintenance which includes looking after your stomach lining. However, with the action of an NSAID, your stomach is not as well protected so ulcers can form and cause acid reflux, heartburn, bloating, and pain. Cox-2 is responsible for producing inflammatory chemicals, including prostaglandins, that are signaled to elsewhere in your body as an immune response during a threat or injury.

Cytotec Interferes with Gastric Acid Production

When taken as directed, Cytotec acts as a natural prostaglandin and binds to the prostaglandin receptors in your stomach and shuts off the parietal cells to stop the secretion of gastric acid. The production of protective mucus is stimulated which coats your stomach and intestinal lining to help keep ulcers from forming. This is beneficial for those individuals that must take anti inflammatory medications long-term for chronic pain from inflammation caused by arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis.

Conditions Treated by Cytotec

Stomach ulcers, also known as peptic ulcers, can occur if the thick, protective mucus layer in your stomach is reduced or damaged. This allows your digestive juices to cause painful sores to form. Other risk factors for having ulcers could be from an infection caused by the Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacterium, or a rare disease called Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. There is not a lot known about the causes of this syndrome, but it produces an increased amount of acid that can seriously damage your stomach lining and form tumors and ulcers.

Before You Take Cytotec

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or are breast feeding before taking Cytotec as it can be harmful to your unborn or nursing baby. Your doctor may recommend taking a pregnancy test before you start taking Cytotec and to use a reliable form of birth control to avoid becoming pregnant during treatment.

Discuss other medical conditions and allergies with your doctor and list any OTC or Rx drugs you currently use or take, including herbal remedies and dietary or vitamin supplements. This will help your doctor determine if Cytotec is safe for your situation.

Cytotec Precautions

Until you know how Cytotec will affect you, you should not drive, operate machinery, or attempt any activity that requires you to be alert. The symptoms of stomach cancer and ulcers are similar so your doctor should rule out cancer before starting you on Cytotec as it may mask the symptoms and delay proper cancer treatment. Keep out of children’s reach and never share meds with others.

Possible Side Effects of Cytotec

• Rash
• Diarrhea
• Headache
• Indigestion