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Misoprostol Alone
Misoprostol is a prostaglandin E1 analog that binds to prostaglandin receptors to promote uterine contractions and cervical ripening.
Misoprostol is a prostaglandin E1 analog that binds to prostaglandin receptors to promote uterine contractions and cervical ripening. Used for Medical abortion (pregnancy termination), Labor induction, Cervical ripening.
At a glance
| Generic name | Misoprostol Alone |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Misoprostol is also known as Cytotec |
| Sponsor | University of Pennsylvania |
| Drug class | Prostaglandin analog |
| Target | Prostaglandin E1 receptor (EP receptor) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Obstetrics/Gynecology |
| Phase | Phase 3 |
Mechanism of action
Misoprostol acts as a synthetic prostaglandin that stimulates myometrial contractions and softens the cervix by binding to prostaglandin receptors on uterine smooth muscle and cervical tissue. When used alone, it induces labor or facilitates pregnancy termination through sustained uterine contractions. The drug increases intracellular calcium and enhances muscle contractility while promoting cervical dilation.
Approved indications
- Medical abortion (pregnancy termination)
- Labor induction
- Cervical ripening
Common side effects
- Uterine contractions/cramping
- Vaginal bleeding
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Abdominal pain
Key clinical trials
- Simultaneous Mifepristone and Misoprostol Versus Misoprostol Alone for Induction of Labor of Nonviable Second Trimester Pregnancy: a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial (PHASE4)
- Laminaria Japonicum Followed by Misoprostol Versus Misoprostol Alone for Mid-Trimester Abortion Induction in Scarred Uterus (PHASE4)
- Missed Period Pill Study (PHASE4)
- Sublingual Misoprostol Versus No Cervical Priming Before Hysteroscopic Resection of Symptomatic Uterine Niches (NA)
- Prophylactic Analgesic and Antiemetic Regimen for Medical Abortion < 70 Days (EARLY_PHASE1)
- The Misoprostol-Only Regimen Evidence Study (PHASE4)
- Rectal Misoprostol for Reducing Blood Loss in Elective Cesarean Section (NA)
- Letrozole Plus Misoprostol Versus Misoprostol Alone for Treating Women With Missed Miscarriage (PHASE4)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- Misoprostol Alone CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Misoprostol Alone updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- University of Pennsylvania portfolio CI