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

When Waldorf arrived at the Kansas hospital, she was given misoprostol to induce labor. —Vanessa Etienne, PEOPLE, 2 June 2026

When used without mifepristone, a higher dose of misoprostol must be used. —Meghan Bartels, Scientific American, 27 May 2026

Mifepristone can be used to treat a hormonal condition called Cushing’s disease, and misoprostol is approved to treat stomach ulcers. —Dara Kass, The Conversation, 26 May 2026

To date, however, the only regimen with comparable efficacy requires dosing the letrozole in three separate doses over three days, followed by misoprostol. —Christine Henneberg, STAT, 15 May 2026

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