Furofen
Furofen Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Food Interaction and all others data.
Furofen inhibits prostaglandin synthesis by decreasing the activity of cyclooxygenase resulting in reduced prostaglandin levels. It is also a potent inhibitor of platelet aggregation.
Furofen, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agent (NSAIA) of the propionic acid class, is structually and pharmacologically related to fenoprofen, ibuprofen, and ketoprofen, and has similar pharmacological actions to other prototypica NSAIAs. Furofen exhibits antiinflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic activities. The commercially available flurbiprofen is a racemic mixture of (+)S- and (-) R-enantiomers. The S-enantiomer appears to possess most of the anti-inflammatory, while both enantiomers may possess analgesic activity.
Trade Name | Furofen |
Availability | Prescription only |
Generic | Flurbiprofen |
Flurbiprofen Other Names | Flurbiprofen, Flurbiprofene, Flurbiprofeno, Flurbiprofenum |
Related Drugs | Humira, Buprenex, aspirin, prednisone, ibuprofen, acetaminophen, tramadol, meloxicam, duloxetine, cyclobenzaprine |
Type | |
Formula | C15H13FO2 |
Weight | Average: 244.2609 Monoisotopic: 244.089957865 |
Protein binding | > 99% bound, primarily to albumin. Binds to a different primary binding site on albumin than anticoagulants, sulfonamides and phenytoin. |
Groups | Approved, Investigational |
Therapeutic Class | Drugs for Osteoarthritis, Drugs used for Rheumatoid Arthritis, Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) |
Manufacturer | |
Available Country | Taiwan |
Last Updated: | September 19, 2023 at 7:00 am |
Uses
Carefully consider the potential benefits and risks of Furofen and other treatment options before deciding to use Furofen . Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration consistent with individual patient treatment goals.
Furofen is used for:
- For relief of the signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.
- For relief of the signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis.
Furofen is also used to associated treatment for these conditions: Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS), Back Pain, Acute, Chronic Back Pain, Menstrual Distress (Dysmenorrhea), Muscle Spasms, Non-Articular Rheumatic Muscle Spasms, Osteoarthritis (OA), Pain, Pain, Inflammatory, Post-traumatic pain, Postoperative pain, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Spinal pain
How Furofen works
Similar to other NSAIAs, the anti-inflammatory effect of flurbiprofen occurs via reversible inhibition of cyclooxygenase (COX), the enzyme responsible for the conversion of arachidonic acid to prostaglandin G2 (PGG2) and PGG2 to prostaglandin H2 (PGH2) in the prostaglandin synthesis pathway. This effectively decreases the concentration of prostaglandins involved in inflammation, pain, swelling and fever. Furofen is a non-selective COX inhibitor and inhibits the activity of both COX-1 and -2. It is also one of the most potent NSAIAs in terms of prostaglandin inhibitory activity.
Dosage
Furofen dosage
After observing the response to initial therapy with Furofen , the dose and frequency should be adjusted to suit an individual patient's needs. For relief of the signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis, the recommended starting dose of Furofen is 200 to 300 mg per day, divided for administration two, three, or four times a day. The largest recommended single dose in a multiple-dose daily regimen is 100 mg.
Side Effects
Oedema, abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhoea, dyspepsia/heartburn, liver enzyme elevations, flatulence, nausea, vomiting, wt change, headache, nervousness, CNS stimulation (e.g. anxiety), CNS inhibition (e.g. somnolence), rhinitis, vision changes, dizziness/vertigo, tinnitus, signs and symptoms of UTI, rash. Ocular hyperaemia, eye irritation, fibrosis, miosis, mydriasis.
Toxicity
LD50=10 mg/kg (orally in dogs).
Selective COX-2 inhibitors have been associated with increased risk of serious cardiovascular events (e.g. myocardial infarction, stroke) in some patients. Current data is insufficient to assess the cardiovascular risk of flurbiprofen. Furofen may increase blood pressure and/or cause fluid retention and edema. Use caution in patients with fluid retention or heart failure. Risk of GI toxicity including bleeding, ulceration and perforation. Risk of direct renal injury, including renal papillary necrosis. Anaphylactoid and serious skin reactions (e.g. exfoliative dermatitis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis) may occur. Common adverse events include abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, dyspepsia, flatulence, GI bleeding, GI perforation, nausea, peptic ulcer, vomiting, renal function abnormalities, anemia, dizziness, edema, liver function test abnormalities, headache, prolonged bleeding time, pruritus, rash, tinnitus. Although rarely documented in the case of flurbiprofen, oral propionic acid derivatives have been associated with a relatively high frequency of allergic reactions.
Precaution
Patients with known CV disease or risk factors for CV disease, fluid retention. Hepatic and renal impairment. Lactation.
Interaction
Reduced antihypertensive effect of ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor antagonists and β-blockers. Slight reduction in blood glucose concentration in patients with DM receiving certain antidiabetic agents (e.g. glyburide, metformin). Reduced diuretic effect of furosemide and thiazides. May increase toxicity of lithium and methotrexate. May increase risk of bleeding with antiplatelets, anticoagulants, SSRIs, corticosteroids.
Food Interaction
- Avoid alcohol.
- Take with food. Food reduces irritation.
Furofen Alcohol interaction
[Moderate] GENERALLY AVOID:
The concurrent use of aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and ethanol may lead to gastrointestinal (GI) blood loss.
The mechanism may be due to a combined local effect as well as inhibition of prostaglandins leading to decreased integrity of the GI lining.
Patients should be counseled on this potential interaction and advised to refrain from alcohol consumption while taking aspirin or NSAIDs.
Furofen Hypertension interaction
[Major] Fluid retention and edema have been reported in association with the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Therapy with NSAIDs should be administered cautiously in patients with preexisting fluid retention, hypertension, or a history of heart failure.
Blood pressure and cardiovascular status should be monitored closely during the initiation of NSAID treatment and throughout the course of therapy.
Hypertension interaction[Moderate] Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including topicals, can lead to new onset of hypertension or worsening of preexisting hypertension, either of which can contribute to the increased incidence of cardiovascular events.
NSAIDs should be used with caution in patients with hypertension.
Blood pressure should be monitored closely during the initiation of NSAID therapy and throughout the course of therapy.
Furofen Drug Interaction
Moderate: duloxetine, duloxetine, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acidsUnknown: cyclobenzaprine, cyclobenzaprine, fluticasone nasal, fluticasone nasal, pregabalin, pregabalin, acetaminophen, acetaminophen, cyanocobalamin, cyanocobalamin, ascorbic acid, ascorbic acid, cholecalciferol, cholecalciferol, alprazolam, alprazolam
Furofen Disease Interaction
Major: asthma, fluid retention, GI toxicity, rash, renal toxicities, thrombosisModerate: anemia, heart failure, hepatotoxicity, hyperkalemia, hypertension, platelet aggregation inhibition
Volume of Distribution
- 14 L [Normal Healthy Adults]
- 12 L [Geriatric Arthritis Patients]
- 10 L [End Stage Renal Disease Patients]
- 14 L [Alcoholic Cirrhosis Patients]
- 0.12 L/kg
Elimination Route
Fluribiprofen is rapidly and almost completely absorbed following oral administration. Peak plasma concentrations are reached 0.5 - 4 hours after oral administration.
Half Life
R-flurbiprofen, 4.7 hours; S-flurbiprofen, 5.7 hours
Elimination Route
Furofen is poorly excreted into human milk. Following dosing with flurbiprofen, less than 3% of flurbiprofen is excreted unchanged in the urine, with about 70% of the dose eliminated in the urine as parent drug and metabolites. Renal elimination is a significant pathway of elimination of flurbiprofen metabolites.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding use
Pregnancy Category C. Either studies in animals have revealed adverse effects on the foetus (teratogenic or embryocidal or other) and there are no controlled studies in women or studies in women and animals are not available. Drugs should be given only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the foetus.
Contraindication
Known hypersensitivity to flurbiprofen, history of asthma, urticaria, or allergic-type reactions precipitated by aspirin or other NSAIDs, NSAID-related history of GI bleeding or perforation, treatment of perioperative pain in the setting of CABG surgery. Pregnancy (3rd trimester) and lactation.
Acute Overdose
Symptoms: Headache, nausea, vomiting, epigastric pain, GI bleeding, diarrhoea, disorientation, excitation, coma, drowsiness, dizziness, tinnitus, fainting and occasionally convulsions, acute renal failure and liver damage.
Management: Supportive and symptomatic treatment. Admin activated charcoal w/in 1 hr after ingestion. In adults, gastric lavage should be considered.
Storage Condition
Store between 15-25° C.
Innovators Monograph
You find simplified version here Furofen
Furofen contains Flurbiprofen see full prescribing information from innovator Furofen Monograph, Furofen MSDS, Furofen FDA label
FAQ
What is Furofen used for?
Furofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug used to relieve symptoms of arthritis (osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis), such as inflammation, swelling, stiffness, and joint pain. It is primarily indicated as a pre-operative anti-miotic as well as orally for arthritis.
How safe is Furofen?
Furofen can increase your risk of fatal heart attack or stroke, especially if you use it long term or take high doses, or if you have heart disease. Do not use this medicine just before or after heart bypass surgery.
How does Furofen work?
Furofen works by blocking the effect of chemicals in your body, called cyclo-oxygenase enzymes. These enzymes help to make other chemicals in the body, called prostaglandins. Some prostaglandins are produced at sites of injury or damage, and cause pain and inflammation.
What are the common side effects of Furofen?
Common side effects of Furofen are include: Upset stomach, constipation, diarrhea, gas, heartburn, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, drowsiness, or headache may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Is Furofen safe during pregnancy?
Furofen is contraindicated during the last trimester of pregnancy. Undesirable effects may be minimised by using the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration necessary to control symptoms.
Is Furofen safe during breastfeeding?
Because of the low levels of Furofen in breastmilk and its short half-life it is unlikely to adversely affect the breastfed infant, especially if the infant is older than 2 months. Maternal use of Furofen eye drops would not be expected to cause any adverse effects in breastfed infants.
Can I drink alcohol with Furofen?
Do not drink alcohol while taking Furofen. Alcohol can increase your risk of stomach bleeding caused by Furofen.
Can I drive after taking Furofen?
You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you.
How quickly does Furofen work?
Furofen usually begins to work within one week, but in severe cases up to two weeks or even longer may pass before you begin to feel better.
When should be taken of Furofen?
You may take your doses before meals, it is better to take your doses with a snack or just after eating a meal.
How often can I take Furofen?
Furofen usually is taken two to four times a day. Take Furofen at around the same times every day.
How long does Furofen take Furofen to work?
Furofen usually begins to work within one week, but in severe cases up to two weeks or even longer may pass before you begin to feel better.
When should not take Furofen?
Furofen can increase your risk of fatal heart attack or stroke. Do not use Furofen just before or after heart bypass surgery. Furofen may also cause stomach or intestinal bleeding, which can be fatal.
Who should not take Furofen?
If you will be undergoing a coronary artery bypass graft, you should not take Furofen right before or right after the surgery.
Is Furofen safe for heart patients?
Furofen can increase your risk of fatal heart attack or stroke, especially if you use it long term or take high doses, or if you have heart disease.
How long does Furofen stay in my system?
After taking your last dose of Furofen it should be out of your system within 93.5 hours. Furofen has an elimination half life of 12 to 17 hours.
What happens if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose of Furofen, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.
Can I take overdose of Furofen?
Furofen overdoses may be accidental or intentional. If you've taken more than the recommended amount of Furofen or enough to have a harmful effect on your body's functions, you have overdosed. An overdose can lead to serious medical complications, including death.
Will Furofen affect my fertility?
The occasional Furofen is unlikely to cause fertility problems, but it's probably best to avoid it when possible.
Can Furofen affects my kidney?
Using this Furofen long term can cause kidney damage. Seniors are at increased risk for this damage.
Can Furofen affects my liver?
Furofen has been linked to a low rate of serum enzyme elevations during therapy and to rare instances of clinically apparent acute liver injury.