Misoprostol

Also indexed as: Cytotec®

Combination drug: Arthrotec®

Misoprostol is a type of drug called a prostaglandin E1 analog that protects the mucosal lining of the stomach and intestines. It is either used alone or in combination with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to prevent injury to stomach and intestinal tissue caused by these agents.

Summary of Interactions with Vitamins, Herbs, and Foods
In some cases, a herb or supplement may appear in more than one category, which may seem contradictory. For clarification, read the full article for details about the summarized interactions.

Avoid: Adverse interaction—Avoid these supplements when taking this medication because taking them together may cause undesirable or dangerous results.	Magnesium
Depletion or interference	None known
Side effect reduction/prevention	None known
Supportive interaction	None known
Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability	None known

An asterisk (*) next to an item in the summary indicates that the interaction is supported only by weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.

Interactions with Dietary Supplements

Magnesium
A common side effect of misoprostol is diarrhoea, which is aggravated by taking magnesium.¹ Consequently, individuals who experience diarrhoea while taking misoprostol should avoid magnesium supplementation.

Interactions with Foods and Other Compounds

Food
Taking misoprostol with food may lower the maximum concentration of the drug in the blood and delay (though not decrease) absorption up to ten hours.² ³ However, since ingestion of food with misoprostol may reduce the incidence of diarrhoea, it is usually recommended that the drug be taken with a meal.⁴

References
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1. Sifton DW, ed. Physicians Desk Reference. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 2000, 2888–91.

2. Karim A, Smith M. Biopharmaceutical profile of diclofenac-misoprostol combination tablet, Arthrotec. Scand J Rheumatol Suppl 1992;96:37–48.

3. Arns PA. Misoprostol. Am J Med Sci 1991;301:133–7.

4. Garris RE, Kirkwood CF. Misoprostol: a prostaglandin E1 analog. Clin Pharm 1989;8:627–44.

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The information presented in Healthnotes is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or chemist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires March 2007.

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Interactions with Dietary Supplements

Interactions with Foods and Other Compounds