The question of how to use the popular drug, Misoprostol, also brings us to asking which is more effective in taking Misoprostol: orally or inserted? This, of course, depends on the preference of the individuals involved in the decision making process of engaging the drug.
Sometimes, the choice people make as regards whether to use Misoprostol orally or through insertion into the vagina is informed by their popular understanding about speed of its efficacy. Some believe when the drug is inserted directly, it functions very fast; while others think, taking it by mouth can be slow in reaction. However, at the end of the day, no side is absolute as people hold varying views.
What now is Misoprostol? Misoprostol is a synthetic prostaglandin medication used to prevent and treat stomach and duodenal ulcers, induce labor, cause an abortion, and treat postpartum bleeding due to poor contraction of the uterus.
Mostly by oral means, Misoprostol is commonly meant to prevent gastric ulcers in people taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID). And if it is for abortions, it is also used by itself or in conjunction with mifepristone or methotrexate orally. The drug’s effectiveness for abortion is between 66% and 90%.
Generally, it is taken by mouth, dissolved in the mouth, or placed in the vagina for the purposes of labor induction or abortion. It is also used for postpartum bleeding by means of the rectal.
Side complications are diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding, and shivering.
Uses of Misoprostol
Below are some of the uses of functions of the drug, Misoprostol among women:
- For Ulcer Prevention
Misoprostol is used for the prevention of NSAID-induced gastric ulcers. It acts upon gastric parietal cells, inhibiting the secretion of gastric acid by G-protein coupled receptor-mediated inhibition of adenylate cyclase, which leads to decreased intracellular cyclic AMP levels and decreased proton pump activity at the apical surface of the parietal cell.
- For Labor Induction
Misoprostol is commonly used for labor induction. It causes uterine contractions and the ripening (effacement or thinning) of the cervix. It can be less expensive than the other commonly used ripening agent, dinoprostone.
Misoprostol also may be used in conjunction with oxytocin.
- For Abortion
Misoprostol is used either alone or in conjunction with another medication (mifepristone or methotrexate) for medical abortions as an alternative to surgical abortion. It is preferred by some women because it feels more “natural,” as the drugs induce a miscarriage. It is also more easily accessible in places where abortion is illegal.
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- For Early Pregnancy Loss
Misoprostol may be used to complete a miscarriage or missed abortion when the body does not expel the embryo or fetus on its own. Compared to no medication or placebo, it could decrease the time to complete expulsion. Use of a single dose of misoprostol vaginally or buccally is preferred, with additional doses as needed. It also can be used in combination with mifepristone, with a similar regimen to medical abortion.
- For Postpartum Bleeding
Misoprostol is also used to prevent and treat post-partum bleeding. Orally administered misoprostol was marginally less effective than oxytocin. The use of rectally administered misoprostol is optimal in cases of bleeding; it was shown to be associated with lower rates of side effects compared to other routes.
The Most Effective Means to Use Misoprostol
To cool down the heat over which means is more effective in taking Misoprostol: orally or inserted? Both are commonly effective but the use of the mouth is the most common. However, it is required that we look at the information provided below:
Using Misoprostol through Insertion
Misoprostol tablets should be placed deep into the vagina two hours before your planned admission time. Here are the steps to follow:
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Go to the toilet and empty your bladder.
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Wash your hands.
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Remove misoprostol tablets from the foil packaging.
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Either in a squatting position, or lying on yourback or side, use your finger to push onemisoprostol tablet deep into the vagina.
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Repeat step 4 for the second tablet.
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Lie down for about 30 minutes after you insert the misoprostol tablets to allow the tablets to dissolve.
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If you notice the tablets falling out, you may push them back in again or call us for instructions on what to do.
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Wash your hands
Using Misoprostol Orally
Misoprostol tablets should be placed under your tongue two hours before your planned admission. Check out the steps to follow:
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Remove misoprostol tablets from the foil packaging.
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Put 2 tablets under your tongue.
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Allow the tablets to dissolve. The tablets may make your mouth dry or taste chalky as they dissolve.
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After 30 minutes, if any of the tablets are left in your mouth, swallow with a sip of water.
