Medication: Misoprostol

Your cat has been prescribed misoprostol for the prevention or treatment of a stomach or duodenal ulcer.

Key points: 
• Synthetic prostaglandin. 
• This drug is not licensed for use in cats. Your veterinarian will advise you as to off-license use of this medication. 
• Not suitable for pregnant animals due to risk of abortion. 
• Not to be handled by pregnant women. 
• Dosage: two to three times daily. 

This information sheet is designed to help answer commonly asked questions and help you give the medication safely and effectively to your pet. It does not contain all available information for this medication. If you have other questions or need more information, contact your veterinarian or pharmacist.Always follow the dosing instructions provided by your veterinarian.

Name 

• Misoprostol (my-so-prost-ol). 

Brand name 

• There are no licensed veterinary products containing misoprostol.  

Class of medication 

• Synthetic prostaglandin. 

Storage 

• Store below 30°C. 

Your cat has been prescribed misoprostol to prevent or to promote healing of gastric and duodenal ulcers associated with the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or steroids. Misoprostol can also be considered in the management of patients with chronic allergic skin disease (atopic dermatitis).  

Misoprostol is given orally (as tablets). It is administered two to three times daily. Follow your veterinarian’s directions carefully. Tablets can either be administered directly into your cat’s mouth or along with some food.  

Possible side-effects of misoprostol include diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and abortion.  

It’s best to let your veterinarian know as soon as possible if you have any concerns regarding side-effects, so that they can decide whether additional medications or different medications are required. 

Misoprostol must not be given to pets already taking gentamicin. Misoprostol should be used with caution in patients with acute kidney injury.  

Misoprostol should not be given to pregnant pets. 

Misoprostol should be administered according to your veterinarian’s instructions. The length of treatment will vary between patients.  

Dispose of any unused misoprostol safely – do not flush down the toilet or sink. Ask your veterinary team if they take back medication for disposal. Do not save misoprostol for future use or give to other pets. 

If you miss a dose, give the dose as soon as possible but do not give a double dose. Make sure the dose given does not exceed the total recommended dose in any 24-hour period. If you accidentally overdose your pet, contact your veterinarian immediately. In humans, overdose has been associated with vomiting, diarrhea, sleepiness, tremors, seizures, abnormal breathing, low blood pressure and abnormal heart rhythm.  

If your pet is unwell, contact your veterinarian for advice. 

Misoprostol should only be given to the cat that it has been prescribed for. If accidentally given to other pets, contact your veterinarian for advice. 

If accidentally consumed by a human, speak to your primary care physician or poison control center.  

Your veterinarian will need to check your pet regularly to monitor your pet’s response to the treatment and to adhere to prescribing guidelines. 

Further information 

If you have any concerns, further information on misoprostol can be found on the package insert or via your veterinarian.  

Europe & UK 

• There are no licensed veterinary products containing this drug in the UK or Europe. Your veterinarian may prescribe a human medication containing this drug and will explain off-license use of medications to you.  

US 

• There are no licensed veterinary products containing this drug in the US. Your veterinarian may prescribe a human medication containing this drug and will explain off-license use of medications to you.  

Always follow the recommended dosage and contact your veterinary team or pharmacist if you have any questions regarding your cat’s medication.