Misoprostol - instructions for use for abortion

For various reasons, a woman, at times, decides to interrupt the pregnancy that has begun. It is in such cases that the question arises with the choice of a drug for medical abortion. One example is Misoprostol. Let's consider it in more detail, we will tell about the mechanism of action, the way of using, the consequences and contraindications to its use.

How does misoprostol work?

The mechanism of action of the drug is quite simple: by activating the contractile activity of the muscle fibers of the uterine myometrium, with simultaneous expansion of the cervical channel, active movements of the uterine muscles take place, which leads to an independent removal of the fetal egg.

If we talk about how much Misoprostol starts to act, then the maximum concentration of the component is reached after 15 minutes.

According to the instructions for use, misoprostol for abortion can be used up to 42 days of amenorrhea (delayed monthly in this case) and only in combination with mifepristone.

What are the contraindications for using Misoprostol?

This drug has many contraindications, among which:

• hypersensitivity;
• diseases of the heart system;
• kidney and liver diseases;
• glaucoma;
• bronchial asthma;
• arterial hypertension;
• diabetes;
• adrenal gland dysfunction;
• lactation period;
• anemia;
• use of intrauterine contraceptives.

How correctly to take misoprostol for abortion?

For the purpose of medical abortion, the drug should be used in tandem with mifepristone, exclusively in medical institutions, under the supervision of doctors.

Typically, women are prescribed 600 mg of mifepristone (3 tablets), followed by 400 μg of misoprostol (2 tablets).

What happens after taking misoprostol?

The uterine musculature begins to decrease actively. At the same time, a woman feels a pain in the stomach of a pulling character. There is a discharge of blood from the vagina. However, if there is no bleeding after taking Misoprostol, then most likely, the wrong dosage of the drug is chosen. In such cases, ultrasound is prescribed to exclude incomplete abortion, when the fetus is not expelled, but dies. In 80% of women, abortion occurs within 6 hours after taking the tablets, 10% - within a week. Re-examination of a woman is carried out 8-15 days after the use of the drug.

What are the side effects of misoprostol?

After using the drug, a woman can note:

• headache;
• nausea;
• vomiting;
• dizziness;
• pain in the lower third of the abdomen.

In rare cases, there may be a flush of blood to the face, an increase in body temperature, an allergy, an itch.