misoprostol

noun

mi·​so·​pros·​tol ˌmī-sō-ˈprä-ˌstōl  -ˌstȯl 

: a synthetic prostaglandin analog C₂₂H₃₈O₅ used to prevent stomach ulcers associated with NSAID use and to induce abortion in conjunction with mifepristone

Examples of misoprostol in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

It is typically used in combination with a second drug — misoprostol — which is not affected by the court’s decision. —Los Angeles Times, 4 May 2026

The misoprostol-only protocol is actually faster than the two-medication protocol, which takes about 30 hours total since patients take the second drug at least 24-hours after the first. —Mara Gordon, NPR, 4 May 2026

It is typically used in combination with a second drug, misoprostol, which is not affected by the ruling but is less effective on its own. —Hannah Schoenbaum, Fortune, 2 May 2026

It is typically used in combination with a second drug, misoprostol. —Geoff Mulvihill, Chicago Tribune, 1 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

miso- (perhaps from methyl + iso-) + prostaglandin + -ol entry 1

First Known Use

1982, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

misoprostol

noun

mi·​so·​pros·​tol ˌmī-sō-ˈpräs-ˌtōl  -ˌtȯl 

: a synthetic prostaglandin analog C₂₂H₃₈O₅ used to prevent stomach ulcers associated with NSAID use and to induce abortion in conjunction with RU-486