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

Mifepristone stops the pregnancy from growing while misoprostol induces cramping and bleeding to empty the uterus. —The Hill, 23 July 2025

For a time, Cruz would let women know about misoprostol—how to procure and take it—and support them through the process while the doctor would provide consultations and follow-up care to those who needed it, such as an ultrasound to confirm gestation or monitoring of heavy bleeding. —Rebecca Grant june 24, Literary Hub, 24 June 2025

For other procedures, options vary but can include, for example, local anesthetics such as topical or injected anesthetics, NSAIDs and other medications such as misoprostol. —Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 23 May 2025

Despite legal challenges, doctors maintain that both misoprostol and mifepristone are safe medications. —Lauren Dunn, NBC News, 11 Aug. 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