Cytotec (misoprostol) is commonly prescribed for the prevention of ulcers in patients taking arthritis or pain medicines for a long time, as they are at higher risk of developing ulcers. Your doctor is supposed to know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding at the moment of starting the treatment – as those factors can affect how much of Cytotec you will need to be taking. The dose you are prescribed depends on your personal needs and may be changed by your doctor based on some individual factors you have. Usually Cytotec is taken four times a day – with meals and before going to bed. It is supposed to be taken regularly to protect your stomach. Missing your doses to often may lead to ulcers, as Cytotec will be unable to protect your stomach lining. Side effects of Cytotec can be any of the following ones: vomiting, headache, constipation, moderate diarrhea, flatulence, nausea, menstrual cramps, and stomach cramps. You will need to watch those side effects carefully to see if they go away on their own or you need to report them to your health care provider. Make sure you never give your dose of Cytotec to other people to whom it was not prescribed, as those people may have contraindications you are unaware of.