Misoprostol

What is this medication for?

• Prevention of NSAID (esp. aspirin)-induced stomach/intestinal ulceration; adjunct for atopic dermatitis (modest efficacy); reproductive uses (pregnancy termination, pyometra adjunct)

How is it given?

Give exactly as your veterinarian prescribed — never change the dose or stop on your own unless your veterinarian has told you to.

• Pregnant women in the household should not handle this medication — significant abortifacient/human health risk from accidental exposure; make this an explicit client-counseling point.
• Used in specific reproductive protocols (pregnancy termination, pyometra adjunct with aglepristone) — a specialist-level use, not routine.

What if I miss a dose?

• Give it as soon as you remember — unless it is almost time for the next dose (then skip the missed one; never double up).
• Call your clinic if you miss more than one dose in a row.

Side effects — what should I watch for?

Effects listed as common in this handout

• stomach/intestinal distress (diarrhea, abdominal pain, vomiting, flatulence) (Most common)

Worth a phone call to your veterinarian

• Uterine contractions, vaginal bleeding (Possible in intact females)

⚠️ Contact your veterinarian or an emergency clinic IMMEDIATELY if you notice

• Trouble breathing, collapse, seizures, severe vomiting or diarrhea, facial swelling, or pale gums

Before starting (or refilling), tell your veterinarian if your pet:

• has or has had: Pregnancy (abortifacient) — even accidental human exposure is a concern; pregnant women should handle with extreme care
• has or has had: Cerebral/coronary vascular disease; prostaglandin sensitivity

• is pregnant, nursing, or used for breeding
• is taking any other medications, supplements, or flea/tick products, including:
  • Magnesium-containing antacids

Storage and handling

Room temperature, protect from light, tight container.

Good to know

• Pregnant women in the household should not handle this medication — significant abortifacient/human health risk from accidental exposure; make this an explicit client-counseling point.
• Efficacy specifically demonstrated for aspirin-induced stomach/intestinal injury — not proven effective against corticosteroid-induced stomach/intestinal injury, and other NSAIDs less well studied.
• Used in specific reproductive protocols (pregnancy termination, pyometra adjunct with aglepristone) — a specialist-level use, not routine.