Emgesic

Uses

Acetaminophen is an analgesic drug used alone or in combination with opioids for pain management, and as an antipyretic agent.

In general, acetaminophen is used for the treatment of mild to moderate pain and reduction of fever. It is available over the counter in various forms, the most common being oral forms.

Acetaminophen injection is indicated for the management of mild to moderate pain, the management of moderate to severe pain with adjunctive opioid analgesics, and the reduction of fever.

Because of its low risk of causing allergic reactions, this drug can be administered in patients who are intolerant to salicylates and those with allergic tendencies, including bronchial asthmatics. Specific dosing guidelines should be followed when administering acetaminophen to children.

Chlorzoxazone is a drug with muscle relaxant properties that is used as an adjunct to physical therapy and analgesics to treat stiffness and pain caused by a variety of musculoskeletal conditions.

For the relief of discomfort associated with acute painful musculoskeletal conditions.

Diclofenac Sodium ophthalmic preparation is used for-

• Inhibition of miosis during cataract surgery.
• Post-operative inflammation after cataract surgery and other ocular surgical procedures.
• Pre-operative and post-operative prevention of cystoid macular edema (CME) associated with lens extraction & intraocular lens implantation.
• Post-traumatic inflammation in penetrating and non- penetrating wounds (as an adjuvant to local anti-infective therapy).
• Non-infected chronic conjunctivitis, keratoconjunctivitis.

Emgesic is also used to associated treatment for these conditions: Acute Gouty Arthritis, Acute Musculoskeletal Pain, Allergies, Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS), Arthritis, Chills, Cold, Cold Symptoms, Common Cold, Common Cold/Flu, Cough, Cough caused by Common Cold, Coughing caused by Flu caused by Influenza, Dyskinesia of the Biliary Tract, Dyskinesia of the Urinary Tract, Febrile Convulsions, Febrile Illness Acute, Fever, Fibromyalgia Syndrome, Flu caused by Influenza, Headache, Joint dislocations, Menstrual Distress (Dysmenorrhea), Mild pain, Muscle Inflammation, Muscle Injuries, Muscle Spasms, Musculoskeletal Pain, Nasal Congestion, Neuralgia, Osteoarthritis (OA), Pain, Pollen Allergy, Postoperative pain, Premenstrual cramps, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Rhinopharyngitis, Rhinorrhoea, Severe Pain, Sinusitis, Soreness, Muscle, Spasms, Spastic Pain of the Gastrointestinal Tract, Sprains, Tension Headache, Toothache, Upper Respiratory Tract Infection, Whiplash Syndrome, Acute Torticollis, Mild to moderate pain, Minor aches and pains, Minor pain, Moderate Pain, Airway secretion clearance therapy, Antispasmodic, BronchodilationPain, Moderate Muscle Spasm, Severe Muscle SpasmActinic Keratosis (AK), Acute Arthritis, Acute Gouty Arthritis, Acute Migraine, Acute Musculoskeletal Pain, Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS), Common Cold, Fever, Gouty Arthritis, Inflammation, Inflammatory Disease of the Oral Cavity, Inflammatory Disease of the throat, Inflammatory Reaction of the Nerve, Joint Pain, Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA), Menstrual Distress (Dysmenorrhea), Muscle Inflammation, Ocular Inflammation, Operation site inflammation, Osteoarthritis (OA), Osteoarthritis of the Knee, Pain, Pain, Nerve, Pericarditis, Photophobia, Postoperative pain, Primary Dysmenorrhoea, Radicular Pain, Rheumatic Pain, Rheumatism, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Seasonal Allergic Conjunctivitis, Soreness, Muscle, Spinal pain, Tendon pain, Vertebral column pain, Acute Musculoskeletal injury, Acute, moderate, severe Pain, Inflammatory, Localized soft tissue rheumatism, Mild to moderate joint pain, Mild to moderate pain, Minor pain, Perioperative miosis

How Emgesic works

According to its FDA labeling, acetaminophen's exact mechanism of action has not been fully established - despite this, it is often categorized alongside NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) due to its ability to inhibit the cyclooxygenase (COX) pathways. It is thought to exert central actions which ultimately lead to the alleviation of pain symptoms.

One theory is that acetaminophen increases the pain threshold by inhibiting two isoforms of cyclooxygenase, COX-1 and COX-2, which are involved in prostaglandin (PG) synthesis. Prostaglandins are responsible for eliciting pain sensations. Acetaminophen does not inhibit cyclooxygenase in peripheral tissues and, therefore, has no peripheral anti-inflammatory effects. Though acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) is an irreversible inhibitor of COX and directly blocks the active site of this enzyme, studies have shown that acetaminophen (paracetamol) blocks COX indirectly. Studies also suggest that acetaminophen selectively blocks a variant type of the COX enzyme that is unique from the known variants COX-1 and COX-2. This enzyme has been referred to as COX-3. The antipyretic actions of acetaminophen are likely attributed to direct action on heat-regulating centers in the brain, resulting in peripheral vasodilation, sweating, and loss of body heat. The exact mechanism of action of this drug is not fully understood at this time, but future research may contribute to deeper knowledge.

Chlorzoxazone inhibits degranulation of mast cells, subsequently preventing the release of histamine and slow-reacting substance of anaphylaxis (SRS-A), mediators of type I allergic reactions. Chlorzoxazone also may reduce the release of inflammatory leukotrienes. Chlorzoxazone may act by inhibiting calcium and potassium influx which would lead to neuronal inhibition and muscle relaxation. Data available from animal experiments as well as human study indicate that chlorzoxazone acts primarily at the level of the spinal cord and subcortical areas of the brain where it inhibits multisynaptic reflex arcs involved in producing and maintaining skeletal muscle spasm

Diclofenac inhibits cyclooxygenase-1 and -2, the enzymes responsible for production of prostaglandin (PG) G₂ which is the precursor to other PGs. These molecules have broad activity in pain and inflammation and the inhibition of their production is the common mechanism linking each effect of diclofenac.

PGE₂ is the primary PG involved in modulation of nociception. It mediates peripheral sensitization through a variety of effects. PGE₂ activates the G_q-coupled EP₁ receptor leading to increased activity of the inositol trisphosphate/phospholipase C pathway. Activation of this pathway releases intracellular stores of calcium which directly reduces action potential threshold and activates protein kinase C (PKC) which contributes to several indirect mechanisms. PGE₂ also activates the EP₄ receptor, coupled to G_s, which activates the adenylyl cyclase/protein kinase A (AC/PKA) signaling pathway. PKA and PKC both contribute to the potentiation of transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 1 (TRPV1) potentiation, which increases sensitivity to heat stimuli. They also activate tetrodotoxin-resistant sodium channels and inhibit inward potassium currents. PKA further contributes to the activation of the P2X3 purine receptor and sensitization of T-type calcium channels. The activation and sensitization of depolarizing ion channels and inhibition of inward potassium currents serve to reduce the intensity of stimulus necessary to generate action potentials in nociceptive sensory afferents. PGE₂ act via EP₃ to increase sensitivity to bradykinin and via EP₂ to further increase heat sensitivity. Central sensitization occurs in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord and is mediated by the EP₂ receptor which couples to G_s. Pre-synaptically, this receptor increases the release of pro-nociceptive neurotransmitters glutamate, CGRP, and substance P. Post-synaptically it increases the activity of AMPA and NMDA receptors and produces inhibition of inhibitory glycinergic neurons. Together these lead to a reduced threshold of activating, allowing low intensity stimuli to generate pain signals. PGI₂ is known to play a role via its G_s-coupled IP receptor although the magnitude of its contribution varies. It has been proposed to be of greater importance in painful inflammatory conditions such as arthritis. By limiting sensitization, both peripheral and central, via these pathways NSAIDs can effectively reduce inflammatory pain.

PGI₂ and PGE₂ contribute to acute inflammation via their IP and EP₂ receptors. Similarly to β adrenergic receptors these are G_s-coupled and mediate vasodilation through the AC/PKA pathway. PGE₂ also contributes by increasing leukocyte adhesion to the endothelium and attracts the cells to the site of injury. PGD₂ plays a role in the activation of endothelial cell release of cytokines through its DP₁ receptor. PGI₂ and PGE₂ modulate T-helper cell activation and differentiation through IP, EP₂, and EP₄ receptors which is believed to be an important activity in the pathology of arthritic conditions. By limiting the production of these PGs at the site of injury, NSAIDs can reduce inflammation.

PGE₂ can cross the blood-brain barrier and act on excitatory G_q EP₃ receptors on thermoregulatory neurons in the hypothalamus. This activation triggers an increase in heat-generation and a reduction in heat-loss to produce a fever. NSAIDs prevent the generation of PGE₂ thereby reducing the activity of these neurons.

Dosage

Emgesic dosage

Ophthalmic (Adult)-

• Postoperative ocular inflammation: Instill into the appropriate eye 4 times daily starting 24 hr after surgery for up to 28 days.
• Inflammation and discomfort after strabismus surgery: Instill 1 drop 4 times daily for the 1st wk; then tid in the 2nd wk, bid in the 3rd wk, and as required for the 4th wk.
• Pain and discomfort after radial keratotomy: Instill 1 drop before surgery followed by 1 drop immediately after surgery, and then 1 drop 4 times daily for up to 2 days.
• Pain after accidental trauma: Instill 1 drop 4 times daily for up to 2 days.
• Control of inflammation after argon laser trabeculoplasty:Instill 1 drop 4 times during the 2 hr before procedure followed by 1 drop 4 times daily, up to 7 days after procedure.
• Prophylaxis of intra-operative miosis: Instill into appropriate eye 4 times w/in 2 hr before surgery.
• Post-photorefractive keratectomy pain:Instill into the affected eye twice, an hr before surgery, then 1 drop twice at 5-min intervals immediately after surgery, then every 2-5 hr while awake for up to 24 hr.
• Seasonal allergic conjunctivitis:Instill 1 drop before surgery followed by 1 drop immediately after surgery, and then 1 drop 4 times daily for up to 2 days.

Side Effects

Mild to moderate burning sensation in 5-15% patients which is transient in nature and almost never necessitated discontinuation of treatment. Other less common side-effects are sensitivity to light, bad taste, feeling of pressure, allergic reactions etc.

Toxicity

LD50 = 338 mg/kg (oral, mouse); LD50 = 1944 mg/kg (oral, rat)

Overdose and liver toxicity

Acetaminophen overdose may be manifested by renal tubular necrosis, hypoglycemic coma, and thrombocytopenia. Sometimes, liver necrosis can occur as well as liver failure. Death and the requirement of a liver transplant may also occur. Metabolism by the CYP2E1 pathway releases a toxic acetaminophen metabolite known as N-acetyl-p-benzoquinoneimine(NAPQI). The toxic effects caused by this drug are attributed to NAPQI, not acetaminophen alone.

Carcinogenesis

Long-term studies in mice and rats have been completed by the National Toxicology Program to study the carcinogenic risk of acetaminophen. In 2-year feeding studies, F344/N rats and B6C3F1 mice consumed a diet containing acetaminophen up to 6,000 ppm. Female rats showed evidence of carcinogenic activity demonstrated by a higher incidence of mononuclear cell leukemia at doses 0.8 times the maximum human daily dose (MHDD). No evidence of carcinogenesis in male rats (0.7 times) or mice (1.2 to 1.4 times the MHDD) was noted. The clinical relevance of this finding in humans is unknown.

Mutagenesis

Acetaminophen was not found to be mutagenic in the bacterial reverse mutation assay (Ames test). Despite this finding, acetaminophen tested positive in the in vitro mouse lymphoma assay as well as the in vitro chromosomal aberration assay using human lymphocytes. In published studies, acetaminophen has been reported to be clastogenic (disrupting chromosomes) when given a high dose of 1,500 mg/kg/day to the rat model (3.6 times the MHDD). No clastogenicity was observed at a dose of 750 mg/kg/day (1.8 times the MHDD), indicating that this drug has a threshold before it may cause mutagenesis. The clinical relevance of this finding in humans is unknown.

Impairment of Fertility

In studies conducted by the National Toxicology Program, fertility assessments have been performed in Swiss mice in a continuous breeding study. No effects on fertility were seen.

Use in pregnancy and nursing

The FDA label for acetaminophen considers it a pregnancy category C drug, meaning this drug has demonstrated adverse effects in animal studies. No human clinical studies in pregnancy have been done to this date for intravenous acetaminophen. Use acetaminophen only when necessary during pregnancy. Epidemiological data on oral acetaminophen use in pregnant women demonstrate no increase in the risk of major congenital malformations. While prospective clinical studies examining the results of nursing with acetaminophen use have not been conducted, acetaminophen is found secreted in human milk at low concentrations after oral administration. Data from more than 15 nursing mothers taking acetaminophen was obtained, and the calculated daily dose of acetaminophen that reaches the infant is about 1 to 2% of the maternal dose. Caution should be observed when acetaminophen is taken by a nursing woman.

Oral, mouse: LD₅₀ = 440 mg/kg; Oral, rat: LD₅₀ = 763 mg/kg; Symptoms of overdose include diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, light-headedness, nausea, and vomiting.

Symptoms of overdose include lethargy, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, and epigastric pain, and gastrointestinal bleeding. Hypertension, acute renal failure, respiratory depression and coma occur rarely. In case of overdose, provide supportive care and consider inducing emesis and administering activated charcoal if overdose occurred less than 4 hours prior.

Precaution

Diclofenac eye drops may mask the signs of infection. So physicians should be alert to the development of infections in patients receiving the drug. During prolonged use, it is recommended that physicians conduct periodic examinations of the eye, including measurement of the intraocular pressure. Contact lenses should not be worn during treatment.

Interaction

No drug interaction is reported. There should be at least 5 minutes interval when another ophthalmic solution (e.g., steroid) is given.

Volume of Distribution

Volume of distribution is about 0.9L/kg. 10 to 20% of the drug is bound to red blood cells. Acetaminophen appears to be widely distributed throughout most body tissues except in fat.

Diclofenac has a total volume of distribution of 5-10 L or 0.1-0.2 L/kg. The volume of the central compartment is 0.04 L/kg. Diclofenac distributes to the synovial fluid reaching peak concentration 2-4h after administration. There is limited crossing of the blood brain barrier and cerebrospinal fluid concentrations only reach 8.22% of plasma concentrations. Doses of 50 mg delivered via intramuscular injection produced no detectable diclofenac concentrations in breast milk, however metabolite concentrations were not investigated. Diclofenac has been shown to cross the placenta in mice and rats but human data is unavailable.

Elimination Route

Acetaminophen has 88% oral bioavailability and reaches its highest plasma concentration 90 minutes after ingestion. Peak blood levels of free acetaminophen are not reached until 3 hours after rectal administration of the suppository form of acetaminophen and the peak blood concentration is approximately 50% of the observed concentration after the ingestion of an equivalent oral dose (10-20 mcg/mL).

The percentage of a systemically absorbed rectal dose of acetaminophen is inconsistent, demonstrated by major differences in the bioavailability of acetaminophen after a dose administered rectally. Higher rectal doses or an increased frequency of administration may be used to attain blood concentrations of acetaminophen similar to those attained after oral acetaminophen administration.

Diclofenac is completely absorbed from the GI tract but likely undergoes significant first pass metabolism with only 60% of the drug reaching systemic circulation unchanged . Many topical formulations are absorbed percutaneous and produce clinically significant plasma concentrations. Absorption is dose proportional over the range of 25-150 mg. Tmax varies between formulations with the oral solution reaching peak plasma concentrations in 10-40min, the enteric coated tablet in 1.5-2h, and the sustained- and extended-release formulations prolonging Tmax even further. Administration with food has no significant effects on AUC but does delay Tmax to 2.5-12h.

Half Life

The half-life for adults is 2.5 h after an intravenous dose of 15 mg/kg. After an overdose, the half-life can range from 4 to 8 hours depending on the severity of injury to the liver, as it heavily metabolizes acetaminophen.

The terminal half-life of diclofenac is approximately 2 h, however the apparent half-life including all metabolites is 25.8-33 h.

Clearance

Adults: 0.27 L/h/kg following a 15 mg/kg intravenous (IV) dose. Children: 0.34 L/h/kg following a 15 mg/kg intravenous (IV dose).

Diclofenac has a plasma clearance 16 L/h.

Elimination Route

Acetaminophen metabolites are mainly excreted in the urine. Less than 5% is excreted in the urine as free (unconjugated) acetaminophen and at least 90% of the administered dose is excreted within 24 hours.

Chlorzoxazone is rapidly metabolized and is excreted in the urine, primarily in a conjugated form as the glucuronide.

Diclofenac is mainly eliminated via metabolism. Of the total dose, 60-70% is eliminated in the urine and 30% is eliminated in the feces. No significant enterohepatic recycling occurs.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding use

The safety of Diclofenac eye drops in pregnancy & lactation has not been established and its use therefore is not recommended unless the potential benefit to the mother outweighs the possible risk to the child.

Contraindication

Hypersensitivity to any of the components Like other non steroidal anti-inflammatory agents, Diclofenac Sodium eye drops is contraindicated in patients in whom attacks of asthma, urticaria or acute rhinitis have been observed following application of acetyl salicylic acid or other cyclo-oxygenase inhibitors

Acute Overdose

Accidental ingestion of Diclofenac Sodium presents virtually no risk of unwanted effects, since one 5 ml bottle of eye drop solution contains only 5 mg of Diclofenac Sodium, which is equivalent to about 3% of the recommended maximum oral dose for adults.

Storage Condition

Close the bottle immediately after use. Do not use for more than four weeks after opening. Store at room temperature.

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