Saitotec - the second of the "tandem" drugs used for drug abortion. The first of the drugs is Mifepristone.
Saitotec, like its counterparts (Misoprostol, Mirolut, Cytotec, Misonyuvel) is a preparation of misoprostol and is available as tablets, each containing 200 μg of active ingredient.
Indications for the use of the site are quite interesting. The drug can be used both for the treatment of gastric ulcer and for the purpose of medical abortion . Some pharmaceutical companies-producers Saytoteka in the instructions for use to the drug position it only as an antiulcer. Other manufacturers in the list of indications still indicate the possibility of using Saitoteka tablets to interrupt pregnancy.
Pharmacological action
The active component of Saitoteca - misoprostol - is a synthetic substance analogous to natural prostaglandin E1. In the female body, misoprostol realizes a uterotonic effect: it increases tone and activates the contractile function of the smooth muscles of uterine myometrium. In parallel, the cervix dilates under the action of the drug. Thus, the fetal egg is ejected, which previously under the influence of Mifepristone has lost the ability to remain in the uterus. For termination of pregnancy, Saitotec is used exclusively in combination with Mifepristone.
Peculiarities of using Saitotec tablets
Mifepristone and Saitotec are used in two stages:
- for the interruption of unwanted pregnancy;
- in the case of a frozen pregnancy ;
- in case of incomplete spontaneous miscarriage.
Reception of both drugs is carried out in a medical institution under the supervision of a doctor. Medication abortion with Mifepristone and Saitotec is carried out only at an early pregnancy - up to 49 days (maximum 6 weeks) after the first day of the last menstruation.
Instructions for use The cytoteca provides the following information about the features of the application and dosage of the drug:
- The recommended dose for a relatively safe termination of pregnancy is 400 μg (2 tablets of Saitoteka), which is taken once orally 24-36 hours after taking Mifepristone.
- The effect of the drug begins only 30 minutes after admission and lasts up to 6 hours; almost immediately a woman begins to feel strong cramping pains in the lower abdomen.
- Most patients within 6 hours begin vaginal bleeding, which results in forced miscarriage; in some women expulsion of the fetal egg occurs within 1 week.
Contraindications and possible side effects of the drug
According to the instructions, Saitotek is contraindicated to use for abortion:
- women with hypersensitivity to prostaglandins;
- girls under the age of 18;
- nursing mothers;
- Patients with intrauterine contraceptives (rings, spirals, etc.);
- in the case of an ectopic pregnancy or suspected of it;
- in the presence of inflammatory bowel disease;
- women suffering from epilepsy, bronchial asthma, glaucoma, severe cardiovascular or endocrine diseases;
- patients with renal or hepatic insufficiency.
The common opinion about the safety of medical abortions is not always confirmed in practice. Saitotec (as in principle, and Mifepristone) has a "bouquet" of unpleasant, and sometimes life-threatening side effects. Use of the Saitotec drug for medical abortion is fraught with:
- dyspeptic disorders (diarrhea, flatulence, constipation, vomiting, abdominal pain);
- skin allergic reactions;
- headache, dizziness, irregular blood pressure;
- convulsions, fever;
- change in body weight;
- violation of the menstrual cycle, painful, heavy menstruation;
- incomplete separation of the fetal egg;
- massive bleeding;
- in the near future - infertility.