Final answer:
Misoprostol is the FDA-approved cervical ripening agent that is also used for the treatment of peptic ulcers. It is a synthetic prostaglandin E1 analog with a variety of physiological activities. While other options like Oxytocin, Dinoprostone, and Mifepristone are used in obstetrics, they are not approved for peptic ulcer treatment.
Step-by-step explanation:
The popular preinduction cervical ripening agent that is Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved for the treatment of peptic ulcers is Misoprostol. Misoprostol is also known for its use in obstetrics for cervical ripening and labor induction, although it is actually a synthetic prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) analog approved by the FDA for the prevention of gastric ulcers caused by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Prostaglandins and their analogs, like Misoprostol, have a wide range of physiological activities. They can induce labor by softening the cervix and contracting the uterus, and also have other effects such as lowering blood pressure and inhibiting stomach secretions.
Oxytocin, another agent mentioned, plays a critical role in childbirth, stimulating uterine contractions and dilation of the cervix, especially at the end of pregnancy. However, unlike Misoprostol, Oxytocin is not used for the treatment of peptic ulcers. Other options like Dinoprostone and Mifepristone are also related to labor induction or pregnancy termination but are not approved for ulcer treatment.