Flurbiprofen

Introduction: Flurbiprofen is a pain relieving medicine. It is used to treat pain, swelling, and stiffness caused by conditions such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

How it works: Flurbiprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that works by blocking the release of certain chemical messengers that cause fever, pain and inflammation.

Important Information: Flurbiprofen should be taken with food. It is readily absorbed (>95%) after oral administration with peak serum concentration at 1.5 hour.

• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Osteoarthritis
• Ankylosing spondylitis
• Frozen shoulder
• Low back pain
• Sprains and strains
• Dysmenorrhoea
• Migraine
• Postoperative analgesia
• Dental pain
• Sore throat

Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

Cyclooxygenase inhibitor

Flurbiprofen is a cyclooxygenase inhibitor which has potent anti-inflammatory effects with antipyretic and analgesic activity. It inhibits prostaglandin and thromboxane biosynthesis. It inhibits vasodilatation and also prevents the sensitization of pain fibers by prostaglandins.

Flurbiprofen inhibits the cyclooxygenase enzyme, reducing prostaglandin synthesis, which results in decreased inflammation, pain and fever.

Adult Dose:

• 150-200 mg daily in divided doses, increased to 300 mg daily in acute conditions.
• Dysmenorrhoea: Initially 100 mg, then 50-100 mg every 4-6 hours. Max: 300 mg daily.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis, Osteoarthritis: 200-300 mg/day divided q6-12hr PO.

Child Dose:

• <12 years: Not recommended.

Renal Dose:

• Severe Impairment: Not recommended.

* Use as directed by the registered physician

Oral tablet. Should be taken with food. Swallow whole.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose.

Common Side Effects:

• Dyspepsia
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Peripheral edema
• Dizziness
• Tinnitus
• Blurred vision

Serious Side Effects: Peptic ulcer, hemorrhage and perforation.

Precautions:

• Caution in patients with peptic ulcer or recent gastrointestinal hemorrhage.
• Caution with anticoagulant therapy, diuretic therapy and history of heart failure/hypertension.
• Avoid in patients with aspirin hypersensitivity.
• Avoid in pregnancy (3rd trimester) and lactation.

Contraindications:

• Active peptic ulceration or recent gastrointestinal hemorrhage
• Ulcerative colitis
• Bronchospasm and hypersensitivity with aspirin
• Aspirin intolerance
• Pregnancy (3rd trimester)
• Hypersensitivity to Flurbiprofen

Drug Interactions:

• Reduced antihypertensive effect of ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor antagonists and β-blockers.
• Slight reduction in blood glucose with certain antidiabetic agents.
• Reduced diuretic effect of furosemide and thiazides.
• May increase toxicity of lithium and methotrexate.
• May increase risk of bleeding with antiplatelets, anticoagulants, SSRIs, corticosteroids.

Food Interactions: No interaction found/established.

Use in Pregnancy: May be unsafe during pregnancy. Animal studies have shown harmful effects. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and risks.

Use in Lactation: Safe during breastfeeding. Human studies suggest the drug does not pass into breastmilk in a significant amount and is not harmful to the baby.

Pediatric Use: Not recommended for children under 12 years of age.

Geriatric Use: No specific dosage adjustment is necessary for elderly patients. Use with caution.

Renal Impairment: No interaction found/established.

Hepatic Impairment: No interaction found/established.

Overdose: There is no specific antidote. Best treated by gastric lavage and correction of serum electrolytes if necessary.

Storage: Store in cool and dry place, away from light and out of children's reach.

Flurbiprofen Tablet