Misoprostol is a synthetic prostaglandin E₁ analogue originally developed for the prevention and treatment of gastric ulcers caused by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. It was first synthesized in the 1970s by researchers at G.D. Searle & Company and approved for medical use in the late 1980s. The drug works by reducing gastric acid secretion and increasing protective mucus in the stomach. Over time, its uterotonic properties were discovered, leading to widespread use in obstetrics and gynecology. Misoprostol became important for inducing labor, managing postpartum hemorrhage, and treating incomplete or missed abortions. Its stability at room temperature and low cost made it especially valuable in low-resource settings. Despite controversies surrounding some uses, it has been endorsed by the World Health Organization for several reproductive health indications. Today, misoprostol remains an essential medicine with diverse clinical applications worldwide.
