NONSTEROIDAL ANTI-INFLAMMATORY DRUGS (NSAID) - ORAL

COMMON BRAND NAME(S):
Advil, Aleve, Anaprox, Clinoril, Daypro, Feldene, Meclomen, Mobic, Motrin, Nalfon, Naprosyn, Nuprin, Tolectin

USES:
This medication is used to treat pain and reduce inflammation. It is used to treat headaches, muscle aches, dental pain, menstrual cramps, arthritis, or athletic injuries. Some NSAIDs are also used to reduce fever.

HOW TO USE THIS MEDICATION:
Take this medication by mouth with a full glass of water (8oz. or 240ml) as directed by your doctor. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. If stomach upset occurs while taking this medication, take it with food, milk, or an antacid. Do not lie down for at least 30 minutes after taking this drug. In certain conditions (e.g., arthritis), it may take up to two weeks, taken regularly, before the full benefit of this drug takes effect. If you use this for migraine headache, and the pain is not relieved or it worsens after the first dose, seek immediate medical attention.

SIDE EFFECTS:
Upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, heartburn, headache, diarrhea, constipation, drowsiness, and unusual fatigue may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur:
stomach pain, swelling of the feet or ankles, ringing in the ears (tinnitus). Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur:
vision changes, joint pain, muscle pain or weakness, easy bruising or bleeding, persistent sore throat and fever. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur:
changes in amount or color of urine, yellowing of the eyes or skin. If you notice any of the following unlikely but serious side effects, stop taking this medication and consult your doctor or pharmacist immediately:
black stools, coffee-ground vomit, persistent stomach/abdominal pain. An allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include:
rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS:
Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of:
kidney problems; liver problems; stomach problems (e.g., ulcers); heart disease (e.g., arrhythmias, heart failure); high blood pressure (hypertension); diabetes; blood problems (e.g., anemia, bleeding disorders, porphyria); asthma; eye problems; severe or long-lasting headaches, any allergies. This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Limit alcoholic beverages. This medication may make you more sensitive to the sun. Avoid prolonged sun exposure, use a sunscreen, and wear protective clothing when outdoors. This medicine may cause stomach bleeding. Daily use of alcohol and this medicine may increase your risk for stomach bleeding. Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the drug. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Using this drug during the last 6 months of pregnancy is not recommended. It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Because of the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medication you may use, especially:
“blood thinners” (e.g., warfarin); other medications for arthritis (e.g., aspirin, methotrexate); “water pills” (diuretics); lithium; anti- ulcer medication (e.g., cimetidine); high blood pressure medication such as ACE inhibitors (e.g., captopril, lisinopril); and beta-blockers (e.g., metoprolol, propranolol); probenecid; phenytoin; cyclosporine; sulfa drugs; medicine for diabetes (e.g., glipizide, glyburide). Check the labels on all your medicines because they may contain aspirin or other aspirin-like NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen). Ask your pharmacist about the safe use of those products. 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 DOSE:
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 the dose to catch up.

STORAGE:
Store at room temperature between 36 and 86 degrees F (2 to 30 degrees C) away from light and moisture.

Drugs & Medications

CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.

The drug reference included in this section is provided by Cerner Multum, Inc., of Denver, Colorado. Armenian Medical Network receives monthly updates from Multum.