Cytotec is a drug whose active ingredient is misoprostol. It is used to protect the stomach from the harmful effects of certain medicines. It may be chosen particularly for patients who have to take aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory painkillers (NSAIDs) for a long time and who are at high risk of developing a stomach ulcer.

Misoprostol imitates the effect of substances called prostaglandins, which occur naturally in the body. It supports the stomach’s protective mechanisms.

Cytotec is not a steroid (cortisone) or an antibiotic. It is not addictive.

How does Cytotec work?

The inner lining of the stomach has natural mechanisms that protect it against stomach acid.

Some medicines, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen and diclofenac, can weaken these protective mechanisms and increase the risk of a stomach ulcer.

Misoprostol increases the stomach’s secretion of protective mucus and bicarbonate and reduces the secretion of stomach acid. In this way it helps reduce the risk of damage to the stomach lining.

When is it used?

Protection against stomach ulcers caused by painkillers

Cytotec’s main use in gastroenterology is preventing the stomach ulcers that drugs in the NSAID group can cause.

It may be considered particularly in some patients who have had a stomach ulcer before, who are elderly, or who need to take these drugs for a long time.

However, not every patient who takes painkillers needs to take Cytotec.

Treatment of stomach ulcers

Misoprostol has protective effects on the stomach lining. It can help some ulcers heal.

Even so, the drugs known as proton pump inhibitors, which reduce stomach acid, are used more widely today to treat stomach ulcers.

Misoprostol is not the first choice for every ulcer patient.

Use in obstetrics and gynaecology

Misoprostol is a drug that can increase contractions of the womb.

Because of this property, it can be used in obstetrics and gynaecology in certain situations and under proper medical supervision.

The purpose, dose and safety conditions of these uses are completely different from its use in stomach diseases. The approved uses also vary from country to country.

It should not be used for pregnancy-related purposes without a doctor’s assessment.

How is Cytotec taken?

Cytotec is taken as a tablet.

According to the product information, there are tablet forms containing 100 and 200 micrograms (mcg) of misoprostol. The products and strengths available in Turkey may vary according to the current licensing information.

Note: The dose unit is micrograms (mcg), not milligrams (mg).

When it is used to protect against stomach ulcers, the drug is usually taken with meals. The daily dose and how often it is taken are decided by the doctor according to the patient’s condition.

Do not go over the dose your doctor recommends.
Do not give the drug to anyone else.
Tell your doctor about any complaints that develop during treatment.
Do not take a double dose for a missed one.

What are the side effects of Cytotec?

The most common side effects of misoprostol involve the digestive system.

Common side effects

Diarrhoea
Abdominal pain and cramps
Nausea
A feeling of discomfort in the abdomen
Wind and bloating

Diarrhoea can appear especially in the first days of treatment and lessens over time in most patients.

However, in some patients severe and prolonged diarrhoea can lead to loss of fluid.

More serious situations

If severe or continuing diarrhoea, marked dehydration, a feeling of faintness, severe abdominal pain or signs of an allergic reaction develop, medical assessment is needed.

Can Cytotec be used in pregnancy?

It is not appropriate to use Cytotec in pregnancy to protect against stomach ulcers.

Misoprostol can cause contractions of the womb. Uncontrolled use during pregnancy can carry serious risks such as miscarriage, premature birth, severe bleeding, rupture of the womb and developmental problems in the baby.

However, it is possible for obstetricians and gynaecologists to use misoprostol in certain medical situations. For this reason, the statement “it is never used in pregnancy under any circumstances” is not correct.

In patients who could become pregnant, the doctor should assess pregnancy status and suitable contraception before misoprostol is started for stomach protection.

If pregnancy is suspected while taking the drug for stomach protection, stop the drug and see a doctor at once.

Who should take it with care?

Using Cytotec needs particular care in the following situations:

Pregnancy or the possibility of pregnancy
Allergy to misoprostol or prostaglandins
Severe diarrhoea or a tendency to lose fluid
Inflammatory bowel diseases
Significant heart and blood vessel diseases
Breastfeeding

Patients who take other medicines regularly should also tell their doctor.

Frequently asked questions

Is Cytotec a stomach protector?

Yes. It can be used to prevent the stomach ulcers that some painkillers can cause. However, it is not suitable for every patient.

Does Cytotec reduce stomach acid?

Yes. It reduces the secretion of stomach acid. It also increases the stomach’s natural protective secretions.

Does Cytotec cause diarrhoea?

Yes. Diarrhoea is one of the drug’s common side effects. It can appear especially at the start of treatment.

Are Cytotec and omeprazole or pantoprazole the same drug?

No. Omeprazole and pantoprazole are proton pump inhibitors. Cytotec acts like a prostaglandin. Their mechanisms of action and their uses are different.

Is Cytotec addictive?

No. It is not addictive.

Does everyone who takes painkillers need Cytotec?

No. The decision is made by assessing the risk of a stomach ulcer, the type, dose and duration of the painkiller, and the patient’s other risk factors.

Can Cytotec be taken for a long time?

The length of treatment is decided by the reason it is used and the patient’s risks. If long-term use is needed, it should be continued under a doctor’s supervision.

Important: This page has been prepared to inform patients. Because of its serious risks, especially in relation to pregnancy, Cytotec should not be used without a doctor’s advice. The dose, the way it is taken and the length of treatment should be decided according to the patient’s condition.