Flurbiprofen

Pain and inflammation in rheumatic disease and other musculoskeletal disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, frozen shoulder, low back pain, sprains and strains; mild to moderate pain including dysmenorrhoea; migraine; postoperative analgesia, dental pain; relief of sore throat.

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 is readily absorbed (>95%) after oral administration. Peak serum concentration is observed at 1.5 hour and its apparent half life is 2-6 hour. It is extensively protein bound (99%). The amount absorbed is not significantly different when taken before or after food. Approximately 95% of a dose is excreted in the urine within 24 hours. Small amounts are excreted in breast milk. There is no evidence of accumulation of the drug.

150-200 mg daily in divided doses, increased in acute conditions to 300 mg daily. In dysmenorrhoea, initially 100 mg, then 50-100 mg every 4-6 hours; maximum 300 mg daily.

Missed dose: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Should be taken with food.

Care should be taken in patients treated with any of the following drugs as interactions have been reported in some patients. antihypertensives, diuretics, cardiac glycosides, lithium, methotrexate etc.

Active peptic ulceration or recent gastrointestinal hemorrhage, ulcerative colitis, Bronchospasm and other hypersensitivity-type reactions with aspirin and other non-steroidal agents. Relative contraindications are anticoagulant therapy, diuretic therapy and patients with a history of heart failure/hypertension and non-allergic asthma. Patients with a prior hypersensitivity to Flurbiprofen or any other ingredient in the formulation.

The most important ones are peptic ulceration, hemorrhage and perforation. Gastrointestinal adverse effects include: dyspepsia, nausea, vomiting, constipation and diarrhea. There may be peripheral edema due to salt and water retention. Some neurological reactions such as dizziness, tinnitus, deafness and blurred vision have been reported which have disappeared on withdrawal of the drug.

The safety of Flurbiprofen during pregnancy has not been established. Breast feeding is not contraindication but safety is not declared.

Flurbiprofen has not been extensively studied in children. It is not recommended for children under the age of 12 years.

There is no specific antidote of Flurbiprofen. It is best treated by gastric lavage and correction of serum electrolytes if necessary.

Drugs for Osteoarthritis, Drugs used for Rheumatoid Arthritis, Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

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