What is a common off-label use of Misoprostol?

Misoprostol is commonly used off-label for the termination of pregnancy due to its effectiveness in causing uterine contractions and softening the cervix, which facilitates the process of abortion. It is often utilized in combination with another medication, mifepristone, in medical abortion protocols. This use leverages Misoprostol's ability to induce contractions and expel the pregnancy tissue from the uterus.

While Misoprostol does have approved uses, such as the prevention of gastric ulcers in patients taking NSAIDs and for the induction of labor, its common off-label applications extend to various obstetric and gynecological conditions. The use for termination of pregnancy, however, is a particularly significant application, dominating its off-label use profile in clinical settings.

In contrast, the management of gastric ulcers is an approved indication for Misoprostol, and its involvement in asthma treatment is not supported by substantial evidence, leading to limited relevance in that context. The authorized usage scenarios differ in emphasis when considering off-label applications but do not overshadow the pressing clinical need for its use in terminating pregnancies.