Pikrin

Pikrin Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Food Interaction and all others data.

Pikrin is a prodrug which is metabolized to rhein. It is currently approved in France for the treatment of osteoarthritis although the use of diacerein is restricted due to the side effects including severe diarrhea . Pikrin is under investigation for the treatment of Insulin Resistance, Diabetes Mellitus (Type 2), and Diabetes-Related Complications.

Decreases inflammation and cartilage destruction and also corrects altered osteoblast acitivity .

Trade Name Pikrin
Generic Diacerein
Diacerein Other Names Diacerein, DiacereĆ­na
Type Tablet
Formula C19H12O8
Weight Average: 368.297
Monoisotopic: 368.053217346
Protein binding

99% of rhein is bound to plasma proteins .

Groups Approved, Investigational
Therapeutic Class
Manufacturer Aarpik Remedies Pvt Ltd
Available Country India
Last Updated: September 19, 2023 at 7:00 am
Pikrin
Pikrin

Uses

Pikrin is an slow-onset anthraquinone IL-1 inhibitor used in the treatment of degenerative joint diseases like osteoarthritis.

For the treatment of osteoarthritis affecting the hip or knee .

Pikrin is also used to associated treatment for these conditions: Osteoarthritis in the Hip Joint, Osteoarthritis of the Knee

How Pikrin works

Pikrin's active metabolite rhein Rhein reduces cartilage destruction by decreasing expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 and -3 as well as upregulating tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinases which serve to reduce the activity of several MMPs . The anti-inflammatory action of rhein reduces the level of interleukin-1beta activity which plays a large role in reduction of extracellular matrix production, MMP activity, and continued inflammation . Rhein reduces abnormal osteoblast synthetic activity through an unknown mechanism .

Toxicity

Rhein Rhein has an oral LD50 of >5000mg/kg in mice. This is equivalent to a diacerein dose of >6476mg/kg.

Volume of Distribution

15-60L .

Elimination Route

Bioavailability of 50-60% . Entirely converted to the active metabolite rhein Rhein before reaching systemic circulation.

Half Life

4-10h .

Clearance

Total CL is 1.5L/h and renal CL is 0.1L/h .

Elimination Route

37% excreted in urine and 53% in feces as estimated in rats .

Innovators Monograph

You find simplified version here Pikrin

FAQ

What is Pikrin used for?

Pikrin is a slow-acting medicine of the class anthraquinone used to treat joint diseases such as osteoarthritis.

How safe is Pikrin?

Pikrin is safe, apart from a substantially higher risk of diarrhoea, especially with longer-term use.Pikrin has an acceptable safety profile, particularly in comparison with that of NSAIDs and paracetamol. The ESCEO positions Pikrin as a first-line pharmacological background treatment of osteoarthritis.

How does Pikrin work?

Pikrin works by blocking the actions of interleukin-1 beta, a protein involved in the inflammation and destruction of cartilage that plays a role in the development of symptoms of degenerative joint diseases such as osteoarthritis.

What are the common side effects of Pikrin?

Common side effects of Pikrin are include:

  • Diarrhoea.
  • Stomach discomfort and pain.
  • Nausea.
  • Vomiting.
  • Yellowing of skin and eyes.
  • Urine discoloration.
  • Increase in liver enzyme levels.
  • Allergic skin reaction.

Is Pikrin safe during pregnancy?

Pikrin should not be administered during pregnancy.

Is Pikrin safe during breastfeeding?

Pikrin should not be administered during lactation.

Can I drink alcohol with Pikrin?

Patients should be advised to limit their alcohol intake while on treatment with Pikrin. 

Can I drive after taking Pikrin?

Pikrin may cause dizziness and drowsiness. So if you observe such symptoms, then do not drive.

When should be taken of Pikrin?

The recommended starting dose is 50 mg once daily with evening meal for the first 2 to 4 weeks of treatment, after which the recommended daily dose is 50 mg twice daily. 

Can I take Pikrin on an empty stomach?

The Pikrin should be taken with food, one with breakfast and the other with evening meal.

How often can I take Pikrin?

The recommended dose is 50 mg to be taken twice daily.

How long does Pikrin take to work ?

Pikrin starts showing its action in 2-3 hours. The duration of action of Pikrin is 27 hours

How long can Pikrin be taken?

The duration of action of Pikrin is 27 hours.

Who should not take Pikrin?

Pikrin should not be used in any patient with liver disease or a history of liver disease, and doctors should be monitoring their patients for early signs of liver problems.

Is Pikrin an antibiotic?

Pikrin is a novel antibacterial agent; the antibacterial breakpoint could not be found in the literature or in standards.

What happen If I missed a dose of Pikrin?

If you forget to take a dose of Pikrin, make sure that you remember to take your next dose when it is due. Do not take two doses together to make up for a missed dose.

What happen if I overdose on Pikrin?

Never take more than the prescribed dose. Seek emergency medical treatment or contact the doctor if you suspect that you might have taken an overdose of Pikrin.

Can Pikrin causes diarrhoea?

Pikrin may cause diarrhoea or loose stools in the first few days of treatment. Contact your doctor if the diarrhoea does not stop within 3-4 days.

Who should not take Pikrin?

Avoid taking Pikrin if you are allergic to it. Seek medical attention if you notice any allergic reactions such as skin rash, hives (painful, itchy eruptions that sting), swelling (face, lips, tongue, etc.), breathing difficulty, etc. Pikrin is excreted through the kidneys. 

If you have pre-existing kidney problems, this medicine may accumulate in your kidneys and further worsen your condition. Hence, this medicine is not recommended for use if you have kidney problems.

Can Pikrin affects my heart ?

Pikrin Improves Left Ventricular Remodeling and Cardiac Function by Reducing the Inflammatory Response after Myocardial Infarction.

Does Pikrin cause kidney damage?

Pikrin has shown to be safe and effective in patients with moderate to severe renal impairment, and dose adjustment is not required in these patients.

Can Pikrin affects my liver?

Around 0.5% of patients on Pikrin had some kind of liver reaction, with most cases being mild, reversible increases in serum transaminases.

*** Taking medicines without doctor's advice can cause long-term problems.
Share