MISOPROSTOL - Prostaglandin Analogue

MECHANISM OF ACTION

Misoprostol seems to inhibit gastric acid secreation by direct action on the parital cells through binding to the PG receptors. The activity of the receptor is mediated by G proteins which normally activates adenylate cyclase. The indirect inhibition of adenylate cyclase by misoprostol my be dependent on GTP. The significant cytoprotective actions of misoprostol are related to several mechanism. These includes:

• Increased secretion of bicarbonate

• Considerable decrease in volume and pepsin content of gastric secretion

• It prevents harmful agents from disrupting the tight junction between the epithelial cells

• Increased thickness of mucus layer

USE

• Antiulcer agents

• Oxytocics

• Genitourinary system and sex organs

• Uterotonics

• Drugs for peptic ulcer and gastro-oesophagal reflux disease

• Antiinflamatory and antirheumatic

• Drugs for acid related disorder

SIDE EFFECTS

• Abdominal pain

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Headache

• Constipation

• Dyspepsia

• Flatulence

DRUG DRUG INTERACTION

• ALIMINUM HYDROXIDE + MISOPROSTOL: the risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when aluminum hydroxide is combined with misoprostol.

• CALCIUM CARBONATE + MISOPROSTOL: the risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when it is combined with misoprostol.

• OXYTOSIN + MISOPROSTOL: : the risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when it is combined with misoprostol.

• MAGNESIUM HYDROXIDE + MISOPROSTOL : : the risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when it is combined with misoprostol.

• CARBETOCIN + MISOPROSTOL: : the risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when it is combined with misoprostol.

REFERENCE

Tripathi K.D,"Essentials of medical pharmacology",7th edition,page no.190,320,332,654.