Misoprostol is a prescription drug used widely to prevent as well as treat non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)-induced stomach ulcers, for early abortion, to treat missed miscarriages and to induce labor.
As a prescription drug, Misoprostol finds favor among healthcare professionals since it is cheap, stable, and easy to transport as well as administer and unlike many medications, need not be stored under refrigeration.
Chemically speaking, Misoprostol is a synthetic Prostaglandin E1 (Prostaglandins are naturally occurring fatty acids generated by body tissues) analogue, which is responsible for causing myometrial contractions. This medication reduces the amount of acid released by the stomach and thereby protects the stomach lining and minimizes the risk of stomach ulcers.