Cytotec is a trade name for the medication misoprostol. Cytotec belongs to a class of medications known as prostaglandins and works in two ways: it prevents the secretion of gastric acids and it causes uterine contractions in pregnant women.
Uses
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Cytotec for the prevention of gastric ulcers in high-risk patients taking anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin. MayoClinic.com explains that Cytotec is also approved for use in first and second trimester abortions in conjunction with the medication mifepristone, also known as RU486 or the abortion pill. Physicians may also use Cytotec for women who are full-term in their pregnancies to ripen the cervix or induce labor as well as for the treatment of women suffering from hemorrhage after delivery.
Administration
When physicians prescribe Cytotec for the prevention of stomach ulcers, the common dosage is 200 mcg four times a day or 400 mcg two times a day with or after meals or at bedtime, according to the MayoClinic.com.
Planned Parenthood explains that woman who receive Cytotec for the purpose of abortion, usually receives a medication known as mifepristone at the initial clinic visit to cause death to the embryo. If after 48 hours, the fetus has not been expelled a woman will return to the clinic and receive a dosage of Cytotec to induce cramping and expulsion of the fetus.
Side Effects
People taking Cytotec for gastric ulcers may commonly report side effects of mild abdominal pain and diarrhea, according to MayoClinic.com. In rare cases, Cytotec can cause vaginal bleeding, gas, lower abdominal cramping, constipation, gas, headaches, heartburn, indigestion and nausea and vomiting.
Planned Parenthood warns that women who take Cytotec for the purpose of abortion often experience dizziness, nausea, vomiting, heavy bleeding, diarrhea, chills and fever.
Risks
Cytotec can cause spontaneous abortion, premature birth, birth defects and uterine rupture and physicians should not prescribe the medication to women for the prevention of gastric ulcers if they are pregnant or of childbearing potential, according to Drugs.com. Physicians should warn patients of the risks of miscarriage associated with the medication prior to prescription or administration.
Planned Parenthood explains that when physicians prescribe misoprostol during an abortion procedure, women may experience complications. Complications may include heavy bleeding and cramping or an incomplete abortion in which part of the products of conception remain within the uterus leading to a potential infection. There is also a potential for allergic reaction.
Considerations
While the use of misoprostol is not encouraged in women of childbearing age, patients at high risk of developing a gastric ulcer often have no other option. In these cases, physicians often ensure that the patient has a negative pregnancy test within two weeks of drug therapy, has an effective contraception method and has received warnings regarding the dangers of Cytotec, including the risk of contraception failure and danger to other women who may mistakenly take the drug.
Women should never attempt to take Cytotec to induce an abortion without the supervision of a doctor.
