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9780521704632c19 CUFX213A/Peck 9780521618168 December 28, 2007 14:1
19 Drugs acting on the gutUses
Itis used for the prevention and treatment of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory
induced ulcers.Mechanism of action
Itinhibits gastric acid secretion and increases mucous secretion thereby protecting
the gastric mucosa.Effects
Endocrine – it increases uterine tone and may precipitate miscarriage. Menorrha-
gia and vaginal bleeding have been reported.
Gut–severe diarrhoea and other intestinal upset.
Cardiovascular – at normal doses it is unlikely to produce hypotension but its
use is cautioned where hypotension could precipitate severe complications (i.e. in
cerebrovascular or cardiovascular disease).Kinetics
Misoprostil is rapidly absorbed from the gut. Metabolism is by fatty acid-oxidizing
systems throughout the body and no alteration in dose is required in renal or hepatic
impairment.