Used primarily in obstetrics and gynecology, the chemical is effective in inducing labor and managing miscarriages due to its ability to soften the cervix and stimulate uterine contractions. It is also widely used to prevent and treat postpartum hemorrhage, especially in settings where access to refrigeration or more complex treatments is limited. When combined with mifepristone, it plays a key role in medical abortion regimens by ensuring complete expulsion of pregnancy tissue. Additionally, it has been used off-label to prevent gastric ulcers in patients taking long-term nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), thanks to its protective effect on the stomach lining. Its stability at room temperature makes it particularly valuable in low-resource and rural healthcare settings.