Misoprostol (Cytotec) is a synthetic prostaglandin that protects against gastric ulcers by reducing stomach acid and promoting mucus production and cell regeneration. It is often prescribed to prevent gastric ulcers in clients receiving long-term nonsteroidal anti- inflammatory drug (NSAID) therapy. Antacids, especially those that contain magnesium (eg, Gaviscon), can increase the adverse effects of misoprostol (eg, diarrhea, dehydration). If clients require therapy with antacids, they should choose one that does not contain magnesium (eg, calcium carbonate [Tums]) and contact the health care provider if adverse effects occur (Option 4).
(Option 1) Taking misoprostol with food can help decrease gastrointestinal side effects (eg, abdominal pain, cramping, diarrhea).
(Option 2) Misoprostol is also used for labor induction and is classified as a pregnancy category X drug. Women of childbearing age must be educated on using reliable birth control and the possible sensation of uterine cramping while taking misoprostol. Clients who suspect they are pregnant must stop taking the medication and contact their health care provider immediately.
(Option 3) The client can continue taking ibuprofen (an NSAID) with misoprostol because misoprostol is designed to reduce side effects of ibuprofen.
Educational objective: Misoprostol prevents gastric ulcers in clients receiving long-term nonsteroidal anti- inflammatory drug therapy. It should not be taken with antacids but can be taken with food to reduce gastrointestinal upset. Women of childbearing age should be educated on using reliable birth control methods as misoprostol can induce labor.
Misoprostol (Cytotec) is a synthetic prostaglandin that protects against gastric ulcers by reducing stomach acid and promoting mucus production and cell regeneration. It is often prescribed to prevent gastric ulcers in clients receiving long-term nonsteroidal anti- inflammatory drug (NSAID) therapy. Antacids, especially those that contain magnesium (eg, Gaviscon), can increase the adverse effects of misoprostol (eg, diarrhea, dehydration). If clients require therapy with antacids, they should choose one that does not contain magnesium (eg, calcium carbonate [Tums]) and contact the health care provider if adverse effects occur (Option 4).
(Option 1) Taking misoprostol with food can help decrease gastrointestinal side effects (eg, abdominal pain, cramping, diarrhea).
(Option 2) Misoprostol is also used for labor induction and is classified as a pregnancy category X drug. Women of childbearing age must be educated on using reliable birth control and the possible sensation of uterine cramping while taking misoprostol. Clients who suspect they are pregnant must stop taking the medication and contact their health care provider immediately.
(Option 3) The client can continue taking ibuprofen (an NSAID) with misoprostol because misoprostol is designed to reduce side effects of ibuprofen.
Educational objective: Misoprostol prevents gastric ulcers in clients receiving long-term nonsteroidal anti- inflammatory drug therapy. It should not be taken with antacids but can be taken with food to reduce gastrointestinal upset. Women of childbearing age should be educated on using reliable birth control methods as misoprostol can induce labor.