What is flurbiprofen, and how does it work (mechanism of action)?
- Flurbiprofen is a
nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) effective in treating
fever, pain, and
inflammation in the body. It is similar to
ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil),
naproxen
(Naprosyn), and others. As a group, NSAIDs are non-narcotic relievers of mild to
moderate pain of many causes, including injury,
menstrual cramps,
arthritis, and
other musculoskeletal conditions. They work by reducing the levels of
prostaglandins, chemicals that are responsible for pain,
fever, and
inflammation. Flurbiprofen blocks the enzyme that makes prostaglandins (cyclooxygenase),
resulting in lower concentrations of prostaglandins. As a consequence,
inflammation, pain and fever are reduced. - The FDA approved flurbiprofen in
October 1988.
What brand names are available for flurbiprofen?
NONE
Is flurbiprofen available as a generic drug?
Yes
Do I need a prescription for flurbiprofen?
Yes
What are the uses for flurbiprofen?
- Flurbiprofen is used for the treatment of inflammation
and pain caused by
rheumatoid arthritis or
osteoarthritis, as well as soft
tissue injuries, such as tendinitis and
bursitis.
What are the side effects of flurbiprofen?
Most patients benefit from flurbiprofen and other NSAIDs with few side effects. However, serious side effects can occur, and
generally tend to be dose related. Therefore, it is often desirable to use the
lowest effective dose to minimize side effects. The most common side effects of
flurbiprofen involve the gastrointestinal system. These are:
- Ulcerations
- Abdominal burning
- Pain
- Cramping
- Indigestion
- Constipation
- Headache
- Nervousness
- Drowsiness
- Water retention
- Sensitivity to sunlight
- Serious gastrointestinal bleeding
-
Liver toxicity
Sometimes, stomach ulceration and
bleeding can occur without any abdominal pain.
Black tarry stools, weakness, and
dizziness upon standing may be the only signs of internal bleeding.
Other important side effects include:
Flurbiprofen should be avoided by patients with a history of
asthma attacks,
hives, or other allergic reactions to
aspirin or other NSAIDs. Rare but severe
allergic reactions have been reported in such individuals.
It also should be
avoided by patients with peptic ulcer disease or poor kidney function, since
this medication can aggravate both conditions.
Like other NSAIDS flurbiprofen
may cause heart attacks and
strokes; accumulation of fluid and worsen heart
failure; cause or worsen hypertension and kidney failure.
What is the dosage for flurbiprofen?
- The recommended dose is 50-100 mg 2 to 4 times daily.
- The
maximum daily dose is 300 mg. - Flurbiprofen should be taken with food to reduce
stomach upset.
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Which drugs or supplements interact with flurbiprofen?
- Flurbiprofen is generally used with caution in
patients taking blood thinning medications (anticoagulants), such as
warfarin
(Coumadin, Jantoven), because of the increased risk of bleeding. Patients taking
lithium
(Lithobid, Eskalith)
can develop toxic blood levels of lithium because flurbiprofen may inhibit the
elimination of lithium from the body by the kidney. - Side effects from
methotrexate
(Trexall, Rheumatrex) and
cyclosporine also may be increased by flurbiprofen. - Flurbiprofen may reduce the effectiveness of medications that are used for
treating
high blood pressure because it causes or worsens
high blood pressure.
NSAIDs may diminish the blood pressure-lowering effects of
angiotensin
converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. Combining NSAIDs with angiotensin receptor
blockers (for example,
valsartan
[Diovan],
losartan [Cozaar],
irbesartan [Avapro]) or angiotensin converting enzyme
inhibitors (for example,captopril [Captoen]) in patients who are elderly,
volume-depleted (including those on diuretic therapy), or with poor kidney
function may result in reduced kidney function, including
kidney failure. These
effects usually are reversible. - Persons who have more than three alcoholic
beverages per day are at increased risk of developing stomach ulcers when taking flurbiprofen or other NSAIDs.
Is flurbiprofen safe to take if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?
- Flurbiprofen is generally avoided
during pregnancy. - Flurbiprofen is excreted in
breast milk. To avoid
adverse effects in the infant,
nursing mothers should decide whether to stop
nursing or stop flurbiprofen.
What else should I know about flurbiprofen?
What preparations of flurbiprofen are available?
Tablets: 50 and 100 mg
How should I keep flurbiprofen stored?
- Flurbiprofen should be stored at room temperature 20 C to 25 C
(68 F to 77 F) in a sealed, moisture-free container.