Misoprostol prevents stomach ulcers in patients who take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or other medications used to treat pain or arthritis.
Stomach ulcers, also known as peptic ulcers, are small sores that develop on the lining of the stomach, lower intestine, or esophagus. Stomach acid secretions burn the stomach lining and remove the mucus layer that protects it, which results in these sores.
NSAIDs work by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins, which are chemical messengers that play a role in inflammation, pain, and the protection of the stomach lining. NSAIDs reduce prostaglandin production, which weakens the stomach's protective layer and makes it more vulnerable to damage from stomach acid. Decreased prostaglandins can lead to decreased mucus production, reduced blood flow to the stomach lining, and impaired repair of damaged tissue. As a result, the stomach lining becomes more vulnerable to irritation and erosion by stomach acid, which can lead to the development of ulcers.
Misoprostol may be prescribed in conjunction with an NSAID to prevent this specific side effect from occurring.