GENERIC NAME: fenoprofen
BRAND NAME: Nalfon
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Fenoprofen is a nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) effective in treating fever, pain, and
inflammation in the body. As a group, NSAIDs are non-narcotic relievers of mild
to moderate pain of many causes, including injury, menstrual cramps,
arthritis, and other musculoskeletal conditions. Since the
response to
different NSAIDs varies from patient to patient, it is not
unusual for a
doctor to try different NSAIDs for any given condition.
PRESCRIPTION: yes
GENERIC AVAILABLE: yes
PREPARATIONS: pulvules: 200mg, 300mg; tablets: 600mg
STORAGE: Store at room temperature, sealed container,
avoid
moisture.
PRESCRIBED FOR: Fenoprofen is used for the treatment of
inflammation and pain that results from rheumatoid arthritis and
osteoarthritis, as well as soft tissue injuries, such as
tendinitis and
bursitis. Fenoprofen is also used for rapid relief of mild to
moderate
pain, such as with menstrual cramps.
DOSING: Should be taken with food.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Fenoprofen should be avoided by
patients with
a history of asthma attacks, hives, or other allergic reactions
to aspirin
or other NSAIDs. Rare but severe allergic reactions have been
reported in
such individuals. It also should be avoided by patients with
peptic ulcer
disease or poor kidney function, since this medication can
aggravate both
conditions. Fenoprofen is generally used with caution in
patients taking
blood thinning medications (anticoagulants), such as warfarin (Coumadin),
because of an increased risk of bleeding. Patients taking
lithium can
develop toxic blood lithium levels. Patients taking cyclosporine (Sandimmune) can develop kidney toxicity. Use in children has
not been
adequately studied. Fenoprofen is not habit forming. NSAIDs
should be
discontinued prior to elective surgery because of a mild
interference with
clotting that is characteristic of this group of medicines.
Fenoprofen is
best discontinued at least two days in advance of the
procedure.
Persons who have more than 3 alcoholic beverages per day are at
increased risk of developing stomach ulcers when taking
fenoprofen or
other NSAIDs.
PREGNANCY: Fenoprofen is generally avoided during
pregnancy.
NURSING MOTHERS: Fenoprofen is generally avoided in
nursing
mothers.
SIDE EFFECTS: Most patients benefit from fenoprofen and
other NSAIDs with few side effects. However, serious side effects can occur, and
generally tend to be dose related. Therefore, it is often desirable to use the
lowest effective dose to minimize side effects. The most common side effects of
fenoprofen involve the gastrointestinal system. It can cause ulcerations,
abdominal burning, pain, cramping, nausea, gastritis, and even serious
gastrointestinal bleeding and liver toxicity. Sometimes, stomach ulceration and
bleeding can occur without any abdominal pain. Black tarry stools, weakness, and
dizziness upon standing may be the only signs of internal bleeding. Rash, kidney impairment, ringing in
the ears,
and lightheadedness can also occur.
Last Editorial Review: 12/31/1997
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.
- Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) - Describes Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), which are medications used primarily to treat inflammation, mild to moderate pain, and fever.
- Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs and Ulcers - Learn how nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can cause ulcers. Includes treatment and prevention.
- 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.
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