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

Care will continue, including through clinicians who prescribe misoprostol alone, an effective regimen with more side effects or new medications being developed. — Julie F. Kay, STAT, 25 Sep. 2026

The step is designed to approve a local company's application for importing a two-drug combination pack consisting of mifepristone and misoprostol. — Arkansas Online, 18 Sep. 2026

The step is designed to approve a local company’s application for importing a two-drug combination pack consisting of mifepristone and misoprostol. — Hyung-Jin Kim, Los Angeles Times, 17 Sep. 2026

The second drug, misoprostol, taken 24 to 48 hours later, causes the uterus to contract and dilates the cervix, which will expel the embryo. — Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 9 Sep. 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