Misoprostol is a prostaglandin medication marketed as Cytotec.
Misoprostol is FDA approved to prevent gastric ulcers resulting from prolonged administration of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Prostaglandins are found throughout the body serving multiple functions. Misoprostol causes uterine (womb) contractions and is used in several areas of female reproductive health. It is used to stop heavy vaginal bleeding after delivery of a full term pregnancy, to induce labor of term pregnancies, it causes softening and opening of the cervix (priming of the cervix), reduces the incidence of C-Sections, induces labor of patients in first trimester, second trimester, and late term abortions. It can also be used with Laminaria to open and soften the cervix in first trimester, second trimester, and late term abortions.