Uses
This medication is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)
which relieves pain and inflammation (swelling). It is used to treat
pain, swelling and stiffness due to arthritis. This drug works by
blocking the enzyme in your body that makes prostaglandins. Decreasing
prostaglandins helps to reduce pain and swelling.
Directions
Take by mouth, generally once or twice daily, as directed by your
doctor. To decrease the chance of stomach upset, this drug is best
taken with food. Dosage is based on your medical condition and response
to therapy. Take this medication with 6 to 8 ounces (180-240ml) of
water. Do not lie down for at least 30 minutes after taking this drug.
Side efects
Stomach upset, diarrhea, gas or nausea may occur. If these effects
persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Very unlikely but
report promptly: unusual fatigue, yellowing eyes or skin, severe headache,
unexplained weight gain, change in amount of urine. If you notice
any of the following unlikely but very serious side effects, stop
taking this drug and consult your doctor or pharmacist immediately:
black stools, persistent stomach/ abdominal pain, vomit that looks
like coffee grounds. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction
to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic
reaction include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness or trouble breathing.
If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor
or pharmacist.
Precautions
Tell your doctor your medical history, including: allergies (especially
allergies to drugs such as sulfas or NSAID like ibuprofen), kidney
problems, liver problems, heart disease, alcohol use, high blood pressure,
swelling (edema), blood disorders (anemia), serious infections, stomach
problems (bleeding or ulcers), asthma, growths in the nose (nasal
polyps), dehydration, poorly controlled diabetes. This medicine may
cause stomach bleeding. Daily use of alcohol, especially when combined
with this medicine, may increase your risk for stomach bleeding. Check
with your doctor or pharmacist for more information. This medication
should be used only when clearly needed during the first 3 months
of pregnancy. It is not recommended for use during the last 6 months
of pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It
is not known whether this drug is excreted into breast milk. Due to
the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this
drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Caution is advised when this drug is used in the elderly, as they
may be more sensitive to the side effects of this medication.
Drug Interactions
Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medications
you use, especially of: fluconazole, lithium, "water pills" (diuretics,
e.g., furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide), drugs for high blood pressure,
ACE inhibitors (e.g., captopril, lisinopril), corticosteroids (e.g.,
prednisone), "blood thinners" (e.g., warfarin), NSAID (e.g., ibuprofen,
naproxen). Check all prescription and nonprescription medicine labels
carefully since many contain pain relievers/fever reducers (NSAIDs
such as ibuprofen, naproxen, or aspirin) which are similar to this
drug. Aspirin, as prescribed by your doctor for reasons such as heart
attack or stroke prevention (usually these dosages are 81-325 mg per
day), should be continued. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more
details. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist
approval.
Overdose
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center
or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include severe
stomach pain, coffee ground-like vomit, dark stool, ringing in the
ears, change in amount of urine, unusually fast or slow heartbeat,
muscle weakness, slow or shallow breathing, confusion, severe headache
or loss of consciousness. NOTES: Do not share this medication with
others. Laboratory and/or medical tests may be performed to monitor
your progress.
Missed Dosage
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near
the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual
dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.
Storage
Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 - 30 degrees
C) away from light and moisture.