Last reviewed 2026-06-03 · How we verify

Misoprostol Pill

Misoprostol Pill is a Prostaglandin analog Small molecule drug developed by University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. It is currently FDA-approved for Prevention of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)-induced gastric ulcers, Medical abortion (in combination with mifepristone), Treatment of gastric ulcers. Also known as: Cytotec, Mispregnol, misotac.

Misoprostol is a prostaglandin E1 analog that binds to prostaglandin receptors to increase gastric mucus production and reduce gastric acid secretion.

Misoprostol is a small molecule medication used in medical research for conditions such as induced abortion, first trimester abortion, and contraception. It is administered as an intervention in clinical trials, often compared to a placebo or medical abortion pills sourced from pharmacies.

At a glance

Mechanism of action

Misoprostol acts as a synthetic prostaglandin that activates EP3 and other prostaglandin receptors on gastric mucosa, enhancing protective mucus secretion and bicarbonate production while simultaneously decreasing gastric acid output. This dual mechanism protects the gastric lining from ulceration. Additionally, misoprostol has uterotonic properties, causing uterine contractions, which is the basis for its use in obstetrics and gynecology.

Approved indications

• Prevention of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)-induced gastric ulcers
• Medical abortion (in combination with mifepristone)
• Treatment of gastric ulcers

Common side effects

• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Nausea
• Uterine cramping
• Vaginal bleeding

Key clinical trials

• Missed Period Pill Study (PHASE4)
• Atorvastatin as a Potential Adjunct to Misoprostol for Termination of Pregnancy (EARLY_PHASE1)
• Pre-Operative Effects of Mifepristone on Dilation and Evacuation Services (NA)
• Pre Versus Post-operative Misoprostol in Reducing Blood Loss After Cesarean Section (PHASE4)
• Ulipristal Acetate for Use in Early Pregnancy Loss (PHASE2)
• Methadone and Medication Abortion (PHASE4)
• Same-Day Mifepristone-Misoprostol Compared to Misoprostol Only for Surgical Abortion Cervical Preparation (PHASE4)
• Comparison of Two Different Drug Regimens for Medical Treatment of Early Pregnancy Loss (PHASE4)

Primary sources

Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.

Competitive intelligence

For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:

• Misoprostol Pill CI brief — competitive landscape report
• Misoprostol Pill updates RSS · CI watch RSS
• University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill portfolio CI

Frequently asked questions about Misoprostol Pill

Related

• Drug class: All Prostaglandin analog drugs
• Target: All drugs targeting Prostaglandin E1 receptor (EP receptor)
• Manufacturer: University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill — full pipeline
• Therapeutic area: All drugs in Gastroenterology; Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Indication: Drugs for Prevention of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)-induced gastric ulcers
• Indication: Drugs for Medical abortion (in combination with mifepristone)
• Indication: Drugs for Treatment of gastric ulcers
• Also known as: Cytotec, Mispregnol, misotac

Primary sources · FDA · ClinicalTrials.gov · EMA · SEC EDGAR · ChEMBL · Wikidata · full sourcing