Cytotec is a brand name for the generic medicine misoprostol. It’s used to reduce the risk of stomach ulcers in patients who take NSAIDs, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication, since those medicines can inflame the stomach lining. It belongs to a category of medications often called prostaglandins, which means that it works by lowering the amount of acid that the stomach releases, and that it protects the stomach lining, which is the place stomach ulcers occur. Cytotec is taken 4 times a day as a pill, and must be taken with meals, with the last dose of the day being at bedtime.
The most common side effects of Cytotec are diarrhea and stomach pain. These normally happen within the first few days of therapy with Cytotec, as the body turns into accustomed to the presence of the drug, and can be mitigated by taking Cytotec with food. In uncommon cases, the diarrhea has been so extreme that dehydration has occurred. If dehydration would be harmful to you, you need to ensure to let your doctor know. Additionally, you probably have inflammatory bowel disease, Cytotec could be extra dangerous, so it’s best to comply with the recommendation of your health care provider. Women taking Cytotec sometimes experience spotting or other menstrual disorders. Different rare side effects include achiness and fatigue, fever, and weight reduction or gain.