A 60-year-old man with osteoarthritis needs continued naproxen but developed a gastric ulcer on prior NSAID use. He is prescribed misoprostol for gastroprotection. A key counseling point regarding this drug is that it:
- A Must be avoided in women of childbearing potential because it induces uterine contractions ✓
- B Causes constipation and black stools
- C Requires acid for activation and must be taken before meals
- D Irreversibly inhibits platelet cyclooxygenase
Correct answer: A. Must be avoided in women of childbearing potential because it induces uterine contractions
Explanation
Misoprostol is a synthetic PGE1 analog that binds EP3 receptors on parietal cells to reduce acid secretion and enhances mucosal bicarbonate and mucus. As a uterotonic prostaglandin, it causes uterine contractions and is used for medical abortion, so it is contraindicated in pregnancy and requires caution in women of reproductive age. Its main dose-limiting adverse effect is diarrhea, not constipation.
Reference: Katzung's Basic and Clinical Pharmacology, 15th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.