flurbiprofen, Ansaid

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Pharmacy Author:

Omudhome Ogbru, PharmD

Omudhome Ogbru, PharmD

Dr. Ogbru received his Doctorate in Pharmacy from the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy in 1995. He completed a Pharmacy Practice Residency at the University of Arizona/University Medical Center in 1996. He was a Professor of Pharmacy Practice and a Regional Clerkship Coordinator for the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy from 1996-99.

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Medical and Pharmacy Editor:

Jay W. Marks, MD

Jay W. Marks, MD

Jay W. Marks, MD, is a board-certified internist and gastroenterologist. He graduated from Yale University School of Medicine and trained in internal medicine and gastroenterology at UCLA/Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.

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GENERIC NAME: flurbiprofen

BRAND NAME: Ansaid

DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Flurbiprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) effective in treating fever, pain, and inflammation in the body. It is similar to ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil), naproxen (Naprosyn), and others. 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. They work by reducing the levels of prostaglandins, chemicals that are responsible for pain, fever, and inflammation. Flurbiprofen blocks the enzyme that makes prostaglandins (cyclooxygenase), resulting in lower concentrations of prostaglandins. As a consequence, inflammation, pain and fever are reduced. The FDA approved flurbiprofen in October 1988.

PRESCRIPTION: Yes

GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes

PREPARATIONS: Tablets: 50 and 100 mg

STORAGE: Flurbiprofen should be stored at room temperature 20 to 25 C (68 to 77 F) in a sealed, moisture-free container.

PRESCRIBED FOR: Flurbiprofen is used for the treatment of inflammation and pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis, as well as soft tissue injuries, such as tendinitis and bursitis.

DOSING: The recommended dose is 50-100 mg 2 to 4 times daily. The maximum daily dose is 300 mg. Flurbiprofen should be taken with food to reduce stomach upset.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Flurbiprofen is generally used with caution in patients taking blood thinning medications (anticoagulants), such as warfarin (Coumadin), because of the increased risk of bleeding. Patients taking lithium (Lithobid, Eskalith) can develop toxic blood levels of lithium because flurbiprofen may inhibit the elimination of lithium from the body by the kidney.

Side effects from methotrexate (Trexall, Rheumatrex) and cyclosporine also may be increased by flurbiprofen.

Flurbiprofen may reduce the effectiveness of medications that are used for treating high blood pressure because it causes or worsens high blood pressure. NSAIDs may diminish the blood pressure-lowering effects of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. Combining NSAIDs with angiotensin receptor blockers (for example, valsartan [Diovan], losartan [Cozaar], irbesartan [Avapro]) or angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (for example, enalapril [Vasotec], captopril [Captoen]) in patients who are elderly, volume-depleted (including those on diuretic therapy), or with poor kidney function may result in reduced kidney function, including kidney failure. These effects usually are reversible.

Persons who have more than three alcoholic beverages per day are at increased risk of developing stomach ulcers when taking flurbiprofen or other NSAIDs.

PREGNANCY: Flurbiprofen is generally avoided during pregnancy.

NURSING MOTHERS: Flurbiprofen is excreted in breast milk. To avoid adverse effects in the infant, nursing mothers should decide whether to stop nursing or stop flurbiprofen.

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. Need help identifying pills and medications? Use the pill identifier tool on RxList.