Misoprostol Flashcards

Misoprostol Overview

• Misoprostol belongs to the prostaglandin class, which plays a role in various bodily functions.

Pharmacological Action

• Its primary pharmacological action is to inhibit gastric acid secretions, providing relief from acid-related conditions.

Therapeutic Uses

• Misoprostol is used to prevent NSAID-induced gastric ulcers and to treat duodenal ulcers, addressing specific gastrointestinal concerns.

Gastrointestinal Effects

• Common gastrointestinal side effects include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, constipation, flatulence, and dyspepsia.

Genitourinary Effects

• Potential genitourinary effects involve miscarriage, excessive bleeding, spotting, cramping, hypermenorrhea, and dysmenorrhea.

Administration Route

• Misoprostol is administered orally (PO), making it easy to take.

Interaction with Antacids

• Concurrent use of magnesium-containing antacids may lead to increased misoprostol-induced diarrhea, highlighting the importance of careful medication management.

Nursing Interventions

• Ensure patients have a negative pregnancy test for two weeks prior to starting Misoprostol; monitor skin condition and neurological status to prevent complications.

Client Education

• Patients should avoid taking Misoprostol while pregnant, take it with meals or at bedtime, be aware that diarrhea may be dose-related, and report any episodes of postmenopausal bleeding to their healthcare provider.