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Ansaid
( flurbiprofen )
50 mg white tablet, 100 mg blue
tablet
Purpose
To reduce inflammation; to
slightly reduce pain.
Indications
For relief of pain in rheumatoid
arthritis or osteoarthritis.
Dosage
Usually prescribe as one tablet (
50 mg or 100 mg ) two or three times per day. The maximum recommended dosage
is 300 mg per day.
Side effects
The most frequent side effects
are gastrointestinal, as with other drugs of this group. Diarrhea is a
frequent problem and can be quite severe. Irritation of the stomach lining
can cause nausea, heartburn, and indigestion. Occasionally, individuals note
fluid retention.
Allergic reactions such as rash
or asthma are very rare. Hospitalization for gastrointestinal bleeding
probably occurs in about 1% of those taking full doses for one year.
Special hints
For irritation of the stomach,
decrease the dose or spread the tablets out throughout the day. Absorption
will be slightly decreased if you take the drug after meals or after
antacids, but greater comfort may result. For the diarrhea, you have to
eliminate the drug and then, if it is desired, start again at a lower dose.
Flurbiprofen has been found useful in rheumatoid arthritis, degenerative
arthritis, and for treatment of local conditions. Perhaps because it is one
of the more recent drugs to be approved, and perhaps because of the problem
with diarrhea. Ansaid has not been as widely used as many of the other
agents. However, like any other drug of this group, it may be preferred by
certain individuals. |
