Flurbiprofen
About
Flurbiprofen belongs to the group of pain killers known as NSAID's (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs). Flurbiprofen is used to relieve pain, swelling and joint stiffness caused by osteoarthritis (a bone disorder that makes joints painful and stiff) and rheumatoid arthritis (inflammation of the joints). It also relieves pain and inflammation due to ankylosing spondylitis (arthritis of the spine), swollen joints, frozen shoulder, bursitis (inflammation of the bursa), tendinitis (inflammation of the tendon, a tissue that connects muscle and bone) and tenosynovitis (inflammation of the covering layer of a tendon). Flurbiprofen is also used to reduce low back pain, sprains, strains, toothache, period pain, migraine, postoperative eye pain and inflammation.
Flurbiprofen contains 'Flurbiprofen', an analgesic (that relieves pain). It also has antipyretic (reduces fever) and anti-inflammatory properties. Flurbiprofen inhibits cyclo-oxygenase (COX) enzymes that further prevent the formation of chemical messengers called 'prostaglandins' (PGs). These prostaglandins are produced at injury sites and cause pain and swelling. By blocking COX enzyme's effect, lesser PGs are produced, which reduces mild to moderate pain and inflammation at the injured or damaged site.
Your doctor will decide the dose and duration based on the severity of your pain. Common side effects of Flurbiprofen include upset stomach, constipation, diarrhoea, gas, heartburn, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, drowsiness, and headache. These side effects are not familiar to everyone and vary individually. If you notice any side effects that are not manageable, please consult your doctor.
Let your doctor know if you are allergic to Flurbiprofen or its components. Inform your doctor beforehand if you have liver, kidney or heart diseases, high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, stomach ulcer, ulcerative colitis (inflammation in the digestive tract), Crohn's disease (inflammation of the lining of the digestive tract), bleeding in the stomach, asthma, lupus erythematosus (an autoimmune disease affecting connective tissue), anaemia (lack of haemoglobin) and delayed blood clotting before starting Flurbiprofen. It is essential to let your doctor know if you are pregnant, planning to conceive or a breastfeeding mother. Flurbiprofen causes drowsiness, so drive with caution.
Uses of Flurbiprofen
Medicinal Benefits
Flurbiprofen contains 'Flurbiprofen,' which is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It has analgesic (that relieves pain), antipyretic (reduces fever) and anti-inflammatory properties. It inhibits cyclo-oxygenase (COX) enzymes that further prevents the formation of chemical messengers called 'prostaglandins' (PGs). These prostaglandins are produced at injury sites and cause pain and swelling. By blocking COX enzyme's effect, lesser PGs are produced, which reduces mild to moderate pain and inflammation at the injured or damaged site.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Flurbiprofen
- Upset stomach
- Constipation
- Diarrhoea
- Gas
- Heartburn
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Headache
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Inform your doctor before starting Flurbiprofen if you have a history of liver, kidney or heart diseases, high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, stomach ulcer, ulcerative colitis (inflammation in the digestive tract), Crohn's disease (inflammation of the lining of the digestive tract), bleeding in the stomach, asthma, lupus erythematosus (an autoimmune disease affecting connective tissue), anaemia (lack of haemoglobin) and delayed blood clotting. Flurbiprofen, like any other NSAIDs can cause fluid retention (oedema); hence it is advised to monitor blood pressure and cardiovascular status in patients with a heart failure history. Please consult your doctor know if you are pregnant, planning to conceive or a breastfeeding mother. Flurbiprofen causes drowsiness, so drive with caution and when you are alert. Do not consume alcohol while being treated with Flurbiprofen to avoid any undesirable effects. Flurbiprofen is not recommended in children below 12 years of age.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Flurbiprofen may interact with fluid retention drugs (furosemide, spironolactone), heart-related drugs (digoxin), blood pressure medicines (metoprolol, losartan), anti-coagulants (clopidogrel, warfarin), anti-virals (Zidovudine), anti-cancer drugs (methotrexate), corticosteroids (prednisone, dexamethasone), immune-suppressants (ciclosporin. tacrolimus), anti-depressant medication (lithium, fluoxetine), antibiotics (ciprofloxacin), abortion drugs (mifepristone), and pain killers (aspirin, celecoxib, naproxen).
Drug-Food Interaction: Avoiding alcohol may improve the side effects of Flurbiprofen like drowsiness and dizziness.
Drug-Disease Interaction: Before using Flurbiprofen, let your doctor know if you have any liver, kidney or heart diseases, high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, stomach ulcer, ulcerative colitis (inflammation in the digestive tract), Crohn's disease (inflammation of the lining of the digestive tract), bleeding in the stomach, asthma, lupus erythematosus (an autoimmune disease affecting connective tissue), anaemia (lack of haemoglobin), and delayed blood clotting.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeYou are recommended to avoid alcohol consumption while taking Flurbiprofen. Alcohol intake, along with Flurbiprofen, may cause increased drowsiness. It may also increase the risk of stomach bleeding.
Pregnancy
cautionFlurbiprofen is contraindicated during the last trimester of pregnancy. Please consult your doctor before taking Flurbiprofen if you are pregnant or planning to conceive.
Breast Feeding
cautionFlurbiprofen is not recommended for use during breastfeeding since it is excreted into the breast milk. Please consult your doctor before taking Flurbiprofen.
Driving
cautionFlurbiprofen may make you feel dizzy, drowsy or tired. Do not drive or operate machinery if you experience these side effects.
Liver
cautionPlease consult your doctor since Flurbiprofen should be used with caution in patients with liver impairment/liver disease.
Kidney
cautionPlease consult your doctor since Flurbiprofen should be used with caution in patients with kidney impairment/kidney disease.
Children
unsafeFlurbiprofen is not recommended in children below 12 years of age.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Physical activity helps in strengthening muscles and relieves joint stiffness. Gentle exercises like 20-30minutes of walking or swimming would be helpful.
- Performing yoga may also help in improving joint flexibility and pain management.
- Maintain a healthy weight by performing regular low-strain exercises and eating healthy food.
- Get adequate sleep as resting the muscles can help in reducing inflammation and swelling.
- Follow heat or cold therapy, apply a cold or hot compress on the joints for 15-20minutes regularly.
- De-stress yourself by meditating, reading books, taking a warm bubble bath or listen to soothing music.
- Acupuncture, massage, and physical therapy may also be helpful.
- Eat food rich in antioxidants such as berries, spinach, kidney beans, dark chocolate, etc.
- Foods containing flavonoids help in reducing inflammation. These include soy, berries, broccoli, grapes and green tea.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
Special Advise
- Let your doctor know that you are taking Flurbiprofen if you are undergoing any medical tests.
- Monitor your blood pressure regularly since Flurbiprofen may raise your blood pressure.
- Flurbiprofen like any other NSAIDs can cause fluid retention (oedema), hence it is advised to monitor blood pressure and cardiovascular status in patients with a heart failure history.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Pain is not a disease but a symptom triggered by the nervous system, causing uncomfortable sensations in the body. Pain may be dull or sharp, it might be constant or may come and go. The tolerance level of pain might vary from person to person. Pain can be generalized (overall body aches) or localized (affecting a specific area of the body). Pain can be considered a good thing as it helps us know that something is wrong in the body and thereby helps diagnose the condition. The common causes of pain include headache, muscle strain, cramps, cuts, bone fractures, arthritis and stomach ache.
FAQs
Flurbiprofen belongs to the group of pain killers called NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) which works by blocking the effect of chemical messengers (prostaglandin), thereby reducing joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and inflammation.
Flurbiprofen may cause drowsiness, dizziness, tiredness, and vision disturbances. So, drive only if you are alert and omit driving or operating machinery if you feel dizzy or drowsy.
Flurbiprofen may increase the risk of heart attack or stroke. Do not use Flurbiprofen immediately before or after bypass surgery. Please consult your doctor before using Flurbiprofen if you have a heart disease history.
Flurbiprofen can be used for relieving period pain and cramps. Take Flurbiprofen only as prescribed. Do not exceed the dose and duration prescribed by your doctor.
Flurbiprofen may raise your blood pressure. It is advised to monitor your blood pressure levels regularly if you are using Flurbiprofen. Please inform your doctor if you notice frequent fluctuations in your blood pressure levels while using Flurbiprofen.
