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

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

In June, the Supreme Court unanimously upheld access to mifepristone, a key drug used with misoprostol for medication abortions. —Sandra Rose Salathe, Flow Space, 23 Oct. 2024

Patients are directed to take misoprostol within 24 to 48 hours of the mifepristone. —Ziva Branstetter, ProPublica, 16 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