Manufacturer: Pfizer (brand); multiple manufacturers (generic)
Known as: Misoprostol / Cytotec
| Package | Price | Per pill |
|---|---|---|
| 10 pills | $39.67 | $3.97 |
| 20 pills | $57.10 | $2.85 |
| 30 pills | $74.52 | $2.48 |
| 60 pills | $126.80 | $2.11 |
| 90 pills | $179.07 | $1.99 |
| 120 pills | $231.35 | $1.93 |
| 180 pills | $335.90 | $1.87 |
| 270 pills | $492.73 | $1.82 |
| Package | Price | Per pill |
|---|---|---|
| 10 pills | $36.22 | $3.62 |
| 20 pills | $52.50 | $2.63 |
| 30 pills | $68.79 | $2.29 |
| 60 pills | $117.64 | $1.96 |
| 90 pills | $166.49 | $1.85 |
| 120 pills | $215.34 | $1.79 |
| 180 pills | $313.05 | $1.74 |
| 270 pills | $459.60 | $1.70 |
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What Is Cytotec?
Cytotec is the brand name for misoprostol, a synthetic prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) analog. In the United States, misoprostol is approved to help prevent NSAID-associated gastric ulcers in patients at high risk. In obstetrics and gynecology, misoprostol is widely used under clinician direction for cervical ripening, cytotec induction of labor, management of early pregnancy loss, medication abortion protocols, and postpartum hemorrhage recognizing that these are subject to jurisdiction-specific regulations and, in some countries, are considered off-label.
People often ask what is Cytotec used for in pregnancy. In clinical practice, the medication may be used to soften the cervix, stimulate uterine contractions, support medical management of miscarriage, or be part of postpartum hemorrhage protocols when indicated.
How Cytotec Works: Mechanism of Action
Misoprostol binds to prostaglandin receptors in the cervix and uterus. This leads to cervical ripening (softening and dilation) and myometrial contractions, which is why it can induce or augment labor answering the question does Cytotec cause contractions: yes, that uterotonic effect is central to its obstetric use. In the gastrointestinal tract, the same class effect reduces gastric acid secretion and enhances mucosal protection, explaining its original anti-ulcer indication.
Cytotec Uses and Indications
Approved (GI)
- Prevention of NSAID-induced gastric ulcers in high-risk adults.
Common obstetric/gynecologic uses (follow local laws and clinical protocols)
- Cervical ripening and induction of labor in appropriate candidates within a monitored setting.
- Medical management of early pregnancy loss.
- Medication abortion regimens (often with mifepristone where permitted, or misoprostol-only protocols where required).
- Postpartum hemorrhage prevention or treatment when first-line uterotonics are unavailable or as part of stepwise protocols.
Always follow hospital or guideline-based regimens; self-administration outside clinical care is unsafe.
Dosage and Administration
Misoprostol may be given orally, sublingually, buccally, vaginally, or rectally (for certain postpartum indications). The dose, route, and interval vary by indication, gestational age, prior uterine surgery, and maternal/fetal status. Care teams monitor uterine activity and fetal well-being after each dose to reduce risks such as tachysystole. Oxytocin, when planned, is typically started only after a protocol-specific interval from the last misoprostol dose.
Typical Misoprostol Regimens by Indication* (Representative ranges used in clinical practice; your clinician may use a different protocol. Obstetric uses may be off-label depending on jurisdiction.)
| Clinical purpose | Common route(s) | Typical dose & interval (examples) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cervical ripening / induction at term | Vaginal or oral | Vaginal 25 µg every 3–6 h; Oral 25–50 µg every 2–4 h | Continuous monitoring; avoid high cumulative dosing to reduce tachysystole. |
| Medication abortion (early intrauterine) | Buccal, sublingual, or vaginal (often with mifepristone) | After mifepristone, 800 µg misoprostol via selected route; misoprostol-only protocols may repeat per schedule | Regimens vary by gestational age and local rules. |
| Early pregnancy loss (missed/incomplete) | Vaginal or sublingual | 800 µg; may repeat per protocol (e.g., after several hours or next day) | Follow maximum-dose limits and reassessment windows. |
| Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) | Oral, sublingual, or rectal | Prevention 600 µg oral ×1 when oxytocin unavailable; Treatment 800 µg sublingual ×1 or 800–1000 µg rectal | Shivering/fever are common; use within structured PPH pathways. |
*This table is informational and does not replace institutional guidelines. Contraindications and monitoring requirements apply; prior cesarean or uterine surgery may limit use for induction at term.
Route Notes
- Cytotec vaginally is common for ripening due to localized effect at low doses; oral routes are also used depending on protocol.
- For cytotec pills taken buccally or sublingually, absorption can be rapid; patient counseling includes what to expect regarding cramps, bleeding, and when to seek care.
How Long Does Cytotec Take to Work?
Timing depends on the route, dose, and clinical goal. For cytotec induction of labor, early effects on cervical softness and uterine activity may appear within 30–90 minutes, but meaningful labor progress is typically assessed over several hours and multiple dosing intervals in a monitored setting. For miscarriage care or medication abortion protocols, onset of cramping and bleeding often occurs within a few hours, with completion timelines guided by the specific regimen and follow-up plan.
How to Make Cytotec More Effective (Clinical Context)
Cytotec works best when it’s used within a structured protocol that matches the indication, gestational age, and maternal history. For cytotec induction of labor, clinicians tailor the route (oral vs cytotec vaginally) and dose to balance cervical ripening with the risk of uterine tachysystole; low-dose, timed intervals with continuous monitoring are standard. Effectiveness also improves when teams minimize unnecessary vaginal exams, reassess after each dose, and allow adequate time between misoprostol and other uterotonics (for example, oxytocin) to avoid overlapping effects.
Supportive care matters. Hydration, bladder emptying, and pain control can improve tolerance and allow the body to respond to contractions. Clear communication about symptoms (e.g., increasingly painful or back-to-back contractions, decreased fetal movements, heavy bleeding) helps staff adjust dosing early and safely. For miscarriage care or the cytotec abortion pill regimen where permitted, success rates improve when patients follow the exact route, dose, and repeat timing given by their clinician and attend scheduled follow-up to confirm completion.
Cytotec vs Dinoprostone vs Mechanical Methods vs Oxytocin: Which Is Better?
Comparison of Common Induction/Ripening Options
| Feature | Misoprostol (Cytotec) | Dinoprostone (PGE₂; insert/gel) | Mechanical balloon (Foley/Cook) | Oxytocin (IV infusion) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary role | Cervical ripening + induction | Cervical ripening | Mechanical ripening | Induction/augmentation |
| Routes | Oral, sublingual, vaginal | Vaginal insert or gel | Transcervical catheter | Intravenous |
| Onset profile | 30–90 min; cumulative with repeats | Gradual; removable insert offers “off switch” | Gradual, predictable dilation | Rapidly titratable while infusing |
| Titration/stop | Doses spaced by protocol; cannot “remove” once swallowed | Insert can be removed to reduce effect | Catheter can be deflated/removed | Infusion can be adjusted/stopped immediately |
| Tachysystole risk | Dose-related; higher with vaginal/high doses | Lower–moderate | Low (uterotonic effect indirect) | Depends on rate; managed via titration |
| Typical setting | Continuous monitoring on L&D unit | Continuous monitoring on L&D unit | Monitoring; may combine with oxytocin later | Continuous EFM while infusing |
| Advantages | Widely available, inexpensive, multiple routes | Removable insert; standardized dosing | No drug exposure; useful with prior cesarean in some protocols | Highly controllable, predictable once ripened |
| Considerations | Avoid certain regimens with prior uterine scar at term | Cost, refrigeration (varies) | May cause discomfort; skilled placement | Requires IV access and close nurse-to-patient ratios |
Bottom line: No single option is “best” for everyone. Misoprostol is versatile for cytotec for labor and cervical ripening; dinoprostone offers a removable prostaglandin option; mechanical balloons avoid drug exposure; oxytocin is ideal for titratable augmentation once the cervix is favorable. The optimal pathway depends on maternal history (e.g., prior cesarean), fetal status, and unit protocols.
Cytotec Side Effects and Safety Profile
Common Effects
Cramping, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever and chills/shivering, and backache. With cytotec vaginally or higher cumulative dosing, uterine tachysystole (excessively frequent contractions) can occur and may affect fetal status; this is why continuous monitoring is used during cytotec induction.
Serious Risks
Seek urgent care for heavy bleeding, severe or unremitting abdominal pain, signs of infection, fainting, or symptoms of retained products in miscarriage care. In rare cases during labor induction, uterine rupture can occur — risk is higher with a prior uterine scar, especially at term.
Contraindications and Cautions (Protocol-Dependent)
- Known hypersensitivity to prostaglandins.
- Certain term-induction scenarios with prior cesarean or uterine surgery (many protocols avoid misoprostol here).
- Suspected placenta previa, malpresentation, or fetal distress not amenable to vaginal delivery.
- For medication abortion or miscarriage care, follow gestational-age limits, screening for ectopic pregnancy, and mandated follow-up.
Patients should not self-administer cytotec pills for pregnancy-related indications without clinical oversight.
Price and Availability (2025)
Cytotec (Misoprostol) is widely available as tablets (commonly 100 mcg and 200 mcg) under various brand and generic names. Pricing varies by country, pharmacy, and supply chain; hospitals typically stock unit-dose tablets for protocolized use. Availability and lawful use for pregnancy-related indications differ by jurisdiction; patients should rely on licensed clinicians and health-system pharmacies rather than informal sources.
Where to Buy Cytotec Online Safely
If misoprostol is prescribed, obtain it through licensed, verifiable pharmacies that dispense genuine products and provide pharmacist support. Sites that offer “no prescription” sales or unusually low prices present a high risk of counterfeit or substandard medication and may violate local laws. In many regions, pregnancy-related uses require in-person evaluation, ultrasound when indicated, and documented follow-up — these safeguards protect against complications and confirm that treatment goals (for example, labor progression or completion of a miscarriage-care protocol) are achieved.
Can I Take Cytotec Every Day?
Daily use applies only to the gastrointestinal indication (prevention of NSAID-associated ulcers) and follows a physician’s prescription schedule. Pregnancy-related uses such as cytotec induction, cytotec for labor, miscarriage care, or postpartum hemorrhage are protocol-based, time-limited regimens in monitored settings rather than daily maintenance. Never self-dose misoprostol for pregnancy purposes outside clinical care.
Special Populations and Precautions
- Prior cesarean or uterine surgery: Many term-induction protocols avoid misoprostol in this setting due to increased risk of uterine rupture; alternatives (e.g., balloon catheter, oxytocin) may be preferred.
- Multiple gestation, malpresentation, placenta previa, or fetal compromise: Induction with misoprostol is typically contraindicated or restricted; individualized obstetric assessment is required.
- Cardiovascular, hepatic, or renal disease: Dose selection and monitoring should be individualized, especially when using higher cumulative doses.
- Asthma and allergy history: True prostaglandin hypersensitivity is a contraindication; clarify the specific drug allergy with your clinician.
- Breastfeeding: Short-term obstetric use (e.g., for PPH) is common; discuss timing and feeding plans to minimize infant exposure to transient maternal fever or gastrointestinal side effects.
- Medication interactions & timing: Coordinate with oxytocin and other uterotonics per protocol to reduce tachysystole; spacing doses and allowing washout periods are part of standard safety measures.