misoprostol

noun

mi·​so·​pros·​tol ˌmī-sō-ˈprä-ˌstōl  -ˌstȯl 

: a synthetic prostaglandin analog C₂₂H₃₈O₅ used to prevent stomach ulcers associated with NSAID use and to induce abortion in conjunction with mifepristone

Examples of misoprostol in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Though women can also abort a pregnancy taking only misoprostol, according to Planned Parenthood. —Alyssa Goldberg, The Courier-Journal, 13 Nov. 2024

In addition to inducing abortions, mifepristone and misoprostol have other common uses, such as treating miscarriages, inducing labor and stopping hemorrhaging. —Sara Cline, Fortune, 24 May 2024

Administer the misoprostol, a drug that helps empty the uterus, and wait, the instructions said. —Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 10 June 2024

Mifepristone and misoprostol are commonly used in medication abortions but are also used to treat conditions related to pregnancy like miscarriages or postpartum hemorrhaging as well as Cushing’s syndrome and gastric ulcers. —Alejandra O’Connell-Domenech, The Hill, 31 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

miso- (perhaps from methyl + iso-) + prostaglandin + -ol entry 1

First Known Use

1982, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

misoprostol

noun

mi·​so·​pros·​tol ˌmī-sō-ˈpräs-ˌtōl  -ˌtȯl 

: a synthetic prostaglandin analog C₂₂H₃₈O₅ used to prevent stomach ulcers associated with NSAID use and to induce abortion in conjunction with RU-486