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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.

Interactions with Dietary Supplements

Magnesium
A common side effect of misoprostol is diarrhea, which is aggravated by taking magnesium.1 Consequently, individuals who experience diarrhea 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 diarrhea, it is usually recommended that the drug be taken with a meal.4

Summary of Interactions for Misoprostol

Depletion or interference None known
Adverse interaction Magnesium
Side effect reduction/prevention None known
Supportive interaction None known
Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability None known

For the convenience of the reader, the information in the summary is categorized as follows: “Depletion or interference” indicates the drug may deplete or interfere with the absorption or function of the supplement or herb. “Adverse interaction” indicates that the supplement or herb used together with the drug may result in undesirable effects. “Side effect reduction/prevention” indicates the supplement or herb may reduce the likelihood and/or severity of a potential side effect caused by the drug. “Supportive interaction” indicates the supplement or herb may support or aid the function of the drug. “Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability” indicates that the supplement or herb may decrease the absorption and/or activity of the drug in the body. An asterisk (*) next to an item in the summary indicates that the interaction is supported only by weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.

References:

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.