Cytotec is a medicine that is also generically called misoprostol. Misoprostol belongs to the class of medications called synthetic prostaglandins. This medication is used to treat and prevent stomach (gastric) and intestinal (duodenal) ulcers. Misoprostol is a synthetic prostaglandin which acts just like the natural prostaglandin that is found in your body. It works by decreasing acid and increasing mucus and blood flow to the stomach, which protects the walls of the stomach and intestine.
Misoprostol is an analog of prostaglandin. By interacting with prostaglandin receptors, misoprostol causes the cervix to soften and the uterus to contract, resulting in the expulsion of the uterine contents. Misoprostol is relatively metabolically resistant and thus has prolonged action.
Misoprostol is a very powerful stimulator of uterine contractions in late pregnancy and can cause fetal death and uterine rupture if used in high doses. Follow the dosage regimes carefully and do not exceed those doses. Most women early in their pregnancies appear to be eligible for the misoprostol-only regimen. Women considering the misoprostol-only regimen should we willing to undergo a vacuum aspiration procedure, if indicated.