Medicine for arthisis
2006-10-27 03:24:48 · 3 answers · asked by baltazar_510 1 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Skin Conditions
Arthrotec Belongs to What Drug Class? : Arthrotec is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Drugs classified as NSAIDs work by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins. Drugs classified as NSAIDs have anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anti-pyretic properties.
What's in Arthrotec?: Arthrotec is a combination drug of diclofenac and misoprostol. Diclofenac blocks COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes which produce prostaglandins and play a role in the inflammatory process. COX-1 also is involved in platelet function and stomach protection.
Diclofenac is the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) portion of Arthrotec. Misoprostol (a synthetic prostaglandin) protects the lining of the stomach by reducing acid production and stimulates secretion of mucous in the gastrointestinal tract.
How is Arthrotec Available?: Arthrotec is not available over-the-counter. Arthrotec requires a prescription from your doctor. No generic is yet available for Arthrotec. It is currently only available in brand name formulation. Arthrotec is distributed by Pfizer Inc.
Arthrotec is available in tablet form. Arthrotec comes in two strengths:
Arthrotec 50 (50 mg diclofenac sodium and 200 mcg misoprostol)
Arthrotec 75 (75 mg diclofenac sodium and 200 mcg misoprostol)
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Arthrotec is Prescribed to Treat What Conditions?: Arthrotec is indicated for the treatment of the signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis in patients at high risk for NSAID-induced gastric or duodenal ulcers.
What is the Recommended Dose of Arthrotec? : Recommended dosage for osteoarthritis and maximum gastrointestinal (GI) protection is Arthrotec 50 TID. If not well-tolerated, Arthrotec 75 or Arthrotec 50 BID can be used, but with less GI protection. Check Prescription Abbreviations for BID, TID, QID.
The recommended dose for rheumatoid arthritis patients is Arthrotec 50 TID or QID. For patients who do not tolerate that dosage well, they can switch to Arthrotec 75 BID or Arthrotec 50 BID but will have less protection against ulcers.
Are There Special Instructions for Arthrotec? : The total dose of misoprostol should not exceed 800mcg/day. and no more than 200mcg at any one time. Doses of diclofenac higher than 150 mg/day for osteoarthritis patients are not recomended. Doses of diclofenac higher than 225 mg/day for rheumatoid arthritis patients are not recommended.
Are There Other Instructions About How to Take or Not Take Arthrotec?: Other important instructions about taking Arthrotec include:
Take Arthrotec with food.
Never crush or split Arthrotec. It must be taken whole.
Avoid alcohol when taking Arthrotec.
Misoprostol can cause abortions. Women who are pregnant should not take Arthrotec.
After discontinuing Arthrotec, do not get pregnant for one month, or one menstrual cycle after discontinuing the drug.
Arthrotec is not recommended for mothers who are nursing their babies.
What are the Common Side Effects Associated with Arthrotec?: Arthrotec has the side effects associated with both of its components (diclofenac sodium and misoprostol).
stomach pain
dyspepsia
nausea
flatulence
diarrhea (which may resolve in up to 7 days)
bleeding gastrointestinal ulcers
There is a cardiovascular risk and gastrointestinal risk with Arthrotec, the same as is associated with all NSAIDs.
What Serious Reactions Would Cause Patient to Stop Arthrotec Immediately?: The following are serious enough to notify your doctor immediately:
Signs of GI bleeding
Skin rash (Stevens-Johnson Syndrome)
Kidney failure
Weight gain/swelling/edema
Liver toxicity
Anaphylactoid reaction (difficulty breathing)
2006-10-27 03:35:23 · answer #1 · answered by asphyxiated_by_love 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Arthrotec is a combination of 75 mg diclofenac and 200 mcg misoprostol. Diclofenac is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug and misoprostol is a synthetic prostaglandin that helps alleviate the gastro-intestinal side effects often caused by the NSAIDs.
2006-10-27 10:33:33 · answer #2 · answered by Mad Roy 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
ARTHROTEC® (diclofenac sodium/misoprostol) 50/75 mg tablets with 200 mcg misoprostol offers:
Relief from the symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis
Protection from NSAID-induced GI ulcers and their complications
2006-10-27 10:29:29 · answer #3 · answered by Paramedic2007 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋