What should you know about sublingual misoprostol?

Sublingual means under the tongue. The tablet should be used exactly as instructed; do not swallow it early unless your care team tells you to. Misoprostol can soften the cervix and stimulate uterine contractions. The reason for treatment may include induction of labour or management of a miscarriage, and the dose and timing depend on that situation.

Cramping, vaginal bleeding, nausea, diarrhoea, chills, or a temporary rise in temperature can occur. Your team may monitor contractions, bleeding, vital signs, and how you are responding. The medicine should not be self-administered for pregnancy-related care without a clear clinical plan.

Tell the clinician if you have had a previous uterine operation, an allergy to the medicine, heavy bleeding, severe anaemia, or another condition affecting pregnancy care. Follow instructions about food, fluids, monitoring, and when to report symptoms. Keep the tablet under the tongue for the time advised, and do not take an extra dose if the effect seems slow.

For context, read about [Misoprostol](/materials/misoprostol/), [Medical Management of Miscarriage](/treatments/medical-gynaecology/medical-management-of-miscarriage/), or [Induction of Labour](/treatments/pregnancy-and-birth-care/induction-of-labour/).

Tell your care team immediately about very heavy bleeding, severe or constant abdominal pain, faintness, trouble breathing, facial swelling, or a high temperature that persists. During labour, report contractions that are unusually frequent or prolonged, severe pain between contractions, reduced fetal movement, or any concern about your condition.

Ask why this route is recommended, how long the tablet should remain under your tongue, what monitoring will be used, what effects are expected, and what alternatives are available if it does not work as planned.