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

This can include misoprostol or mifepristone with misoprostol, which causes the uterus to contract and can speed up the process Procedure: Getting a dilation and curettage (D&C) in the first trimester or a dilation and evacuation (D&E) in the second trimester to empty the uterus. —Kavitha Surana, ProPublica, 19 Dec. 2024

This includes consuming misoprostol and mifepristone, which are pills used to decrease stomach ulcer risk and control high blood sugar but can also end an early pregnancy, according to the Mayo Clinic. —Maia Pandey, Journal Sentinel, 19 Dec. 2024

Experts claim that misoprostol is too risky to use when the mother is experiencing such heavy bleeding, and a D&C should have been performed. —Vanessa Etienne, People.com, 26 Nov. 2024

That means that mifepristone and misoprostol couldn’t be prescribed for that purpose, according to Dr. Jennifer Avegno, the director of the New Orleans Health Department. —Berkeley Lovelace Jr., NBC News, 30 Sep. 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