Medications and Drugs
Pharmacy Author: Annette Gbemudu-Ogbru, PharmD, MBA
Medical and Pharmacy Editor: Jay W. Marks, MD
GENERIC NAME: choline magnesium salicylate
BRAND NAME: Trilisate (Please Note: This brand name drug is no longer available in the US)
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Choline magnesium salicylate is a type of
nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID), referred to as a salicylate, which
is effective in treating fever, pain, and inflammation in the body. Other drugs
within the same class are aspirin, diflunisal (Dolobid) and salsalate
(Disalcid). They work by reducing the levels of prostaglandins, chemicals that
are responsible for pain, fever, and inflammation. The salicylates block the
enzyme that makes prostaglandins (cyclooxygenase), resulting in lower
concentrations of prostaglandins. As a consequence, inflammation, pain and fever
are reduced.
PRESCRIPTION: Yes
GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes
PREPARATIONS: Tablets: 500, 750, and 1000 mg. Liquid: 500 mg/5ml.
STORAGE: Choline magnesium salicylate should be stored at controlled room
temperature 59 to 86 F ( 15 to 30 C) in a sealed container protected from light
and moisture.
PRESCRIBED FOR: Choline magnesium salicylate is used for the rapid relief of
mild to moderate pain and fever. Choline magnesium salicylate also is used for
the treatment of inflammation and pain due to soft tissue injuries, tendinitis,
bursitis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, juvenile arthritis, and other
related arthritis conditions.
DOSING: For rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, other severe arthritis, and
acute painful joints, the recommended starting dosage is 1500 mg given twice a
day. For mild to moderate pain or fever, the usual dosage is 2000 mg to 3000 mg
daily. It should be taken with food to prevent an upset stomach.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Choline magnesium salicylate, as other salicylates, should
not be given within six weeks of influenza virus vaccine as this can increase risk
of Reye's syndrome (a serious, often fatal disease that causes numerous
detrimental effects to many organs, especially the brain and liver) due to
unknown mechanisms.
When choline magnesium salicylate is used in combination with methotrexate
(Rheumatrex, Trexall) an antimetabolite, the blood levels of methotrexate may
increase, presumably because the elimination of methotrexate from the body is
reduced. This may lead to more methotrexate-related side effects.
Concurrent use of choline magnesium salicylate and warfarin (Coumadin), a
blood thinner, may cause excessive bleeding as choline magnesium salicylate
enhances the effect of warfarin. It is therefore important to reduce the dosage
of warfarin.
PREGNANCY: There are no adequate studies in
pregnant women. Choline magnesium
salicylate should only be given if the potential benefits outweigh the potential
risks to the fetus.
NURSING MOTHERS: Choline magnesium salicylate is excreted in
breast milk;
therefore, caution should be exercised when administering it to nursing women.
SIDE EFFECTS: Common side effects of choline magnesium salicylate are
heartburn, stomach ulcers, nausea, or vomiting. Patients should tell their
doctor immediately if any of these unusual but potentially serious side effects
occur: severe abdominal pain, easy bruising or bleeding, fast heartbeat,
persistent nausea or vomiting, unusual tiredness, change in the amount or color
of urine, yellowing of the eyes or skin, unusual bleeding and hearing loss.
Reference: FDA Prescribing Information
Last Editorial Review: 10/8/2009
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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