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

Louisiana became the first state to heighten the classification of misoprostol and mifepristone, which have critical reproductive healthcare uses in addition to being used as a two-drug regimen to end pregnancies. —Sara Cline, Los Angeles Times, 15 May 2025

The drug is taken in conjunction with misoprostol, combining for a two-medication regimen that constitutes the majority of abortions in the country. —Nathaniel Weixel, The Hill, 17 Feb. 2025

In some cases, women must buy the medication themselves, which can cost around 170,000 Argentine pesos for both drugs (roughly $160, according to the official exchange rate) or 100,000 pesos for misoprostol alone ($90). —Anita Pouchard Serra & Natalie Alcoba, The Dial, 13 Mar. 2025

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists says there is decades of evidence that mifepristone and misoprostol are safe and effective. —Geoff Mulvihill, Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2025

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