Medications and Drugs
Pharmacy Author: Omudhome Ogbru, PharmD
Medical and Pharmacy Editor: Jay W. Marks, MD
GENERIC NAME: fenoprofen
BRAND NAME: Nalfon 200
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Fenoprofen is a
nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug
(NSAID) that is effective for treating the fever, pain, and swelling caused by
inflammation. Fenoprofen belongs to a class of drugs called nonsteroidal
antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Other members of the NSAID class of drugs
include ibuprofen (Motrin), indomethacin (Indocin), nabumetone (Relafen),
naproxen (Aleve) and several others. These drugs are used for the management of
mild to moderate pain, fever, and inflammation. They work by reducing the levels
of prostaglandins, chemicals that are responsible for the pain, fever, and
swelling of inflammation. Fenoprofen blocks the enzymes that make prostaglandins
(cyclooxygenases), resulting in lower concentrations of prostaglandins. As a
consequence, inflammation, swelling, pain and fever are reduced. Fenoprofen was
approved by the FDA in March 1976.
PRESCRIPTION: Yes
GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes
PREPARATIONS: Capsule: 200 mg; Tablet: 600 mg
STORAGE: Fenoprofen should be stored at room temperature, 20- 25 C (68-77 F),
in a sealed container to avoid moisture.
PRESCRIBED FOR: Fenoprofen is used for the treatment of inflammation and pain
due to rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Fenoprofen also is used for the
relief of mild to moderate pain, such as menstrual cramps, tendinitis, and
bursitis.
DOSING: The recommended adult dose for mild to moderate pain is 200 mg every
4-6 hours. Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis are treated with 600 mg 3-4
times daily. The maximum daily dose is 3200 mg daily. Fenoprofen should be
administered with meals in order to avoid stomach upset.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Fenoprofen is associated with several suspected or
probable interactions that affect the action of other drugs. The following
examples are the most commonly suspected interactions.
Fenoprofen may increase the blood levels of lithium (Eskalith,
Lithobid) by reducing
the excretion of lithium by the kidneys. Increased levels of lithium may lead to
lithium toxicity.
Fenoprofen may reduce the blood pressure lowering effects of
blood pressure
medications. This may occur because prostaglandins play a role in the regulation
of blood pressure.
When NSAIDs are used in combination with methotrexate
(Rheumatrex, Trexall) or aminoglycosides (for
example, gentamicin) the blood levels of the methotrexate or aminoglycoside may
increase, presumably because their elimination from the body is reduced. This
may lead to more methotrexate or aminoglycoside-related side effects.
Individuals taking oral blood thinners or anticoagulants, for example,
warfarin, (Coumadin), should avoid fenoprofen because fenoprofen also thins the
blood, and excessive blood thinning may lead to bleeding.
Persons who have more than three alcoholic beverages per day are at increased
risk of developing stomach ulcers when taking fenoprofen or other
NSAIDs.
PREGNANCY: There are no adequate studies of fenoprofen in pregnant women.
Therefore, fenoprofen is not recommended during
pregnancy.
NURSING MOTHERS: It is not known if fenoprofen is excreted in
breast milk.
SIDE EFFECTS: Common side effects include rash,
ringing in the ears,
headaches, dizziness, drowsiness, abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea,
constipation,
heartburn, fluid retention and dry mouth.
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.
- ibuprofen, Advil, Children's Advil/Motrin, Medipren, Motrin, Nuprin, PediaCare Fever, etc. - Explains the medication ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, Nuprin, Medipren) a drug used for the management of mild to moderate pain, fever, and inflammation. Article includes descriptions, uses, drug interactions, and side effects.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis - Learn more about rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease that causes chronic joint inflammation, which has symptoms that include stiffness, fever, muscle and joint aches, loss of appetite, and fatigue. Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis incorporates the use of first-line drugs (aspirin and corticosteroids for pain and inflammation) and second-line drugs (methotrexate and hydroxychloroquine to prevent joint destruction and promote remission).
- Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) - Describes Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), which are medications used primarily to treat inflammation, mild to moderate pain, and fever.
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