Medications and Drugs
Pharmacy Author: Omudhome Ogbru, PharmD
Medical and Pharmacy Editor: Jay W. Marks, MD
GENERIC NAME: oxaprozin
BRAND NAME: Daypro
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Oxaprozin belongs to a class of drugs called
nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Other members of this class
include ibuprofen (Motrin), indomethacin (Indocin), 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 pain, fever, and inflammation. Oxaprozin 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 oxaprozin in October 1992.
PRESCRIPTION: Yes
GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes
PREPARATIONS: Tablets: 600 mg
STORAGE: Oxaprozin should be stored at room temperature below 25 C (77 F)
protected from moisture in a sealed container.
PRESCRIBED FOR: Oxaprozin is used for the treatment of inflammation and the
pain, fever, swelling and tenderness of joints caused by rheumatoid arthritis or
osteoarthritis.
DOSING: The usual dose of oxaprozin is 600 or 1200 mg once daily taken with
food. The maximum dose is 1800 mg daily. The total daily dose may be divided
into multiple doses if single daily doses are not tolerated.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Oxaprozin may increase the blood levels of lithium
(Eskalith) by reducing the excretion of lithium by the kidneys. Increased levels
of lithium may lead to lithium toxicity.
Oxaprozin may reduce the blood pressure lowering effects of blood pressure
medications. This may occur because prostaglandins play a role in the regulation
(reduction) of blood pressure.
When oxaprozin is used in combination with methotrexate
(Rheumatrex, Trexall) or aminoglycoside
antibiotics (for example, gentamicin) the blood levels of methotrexate or
aminoglycoside may increase, presumably because the elimination of methotrexate
or aminoglycoside is reduced. This may lead to more side effects from
methotrexate or aminoglycoside.
Individuals taking oral blood thinners or anticoagulants, for example,
warfarin, (Coumadin), should avoid oxaprozin because oxaprozin also thins the
blood, and excessive blood thinning may lead to bleeding.
PREGNANCY: There are no adequate studies of oxaprozin in pregnant women.
Therefore, oxaprozin is not recommended during
pregnancy.
NURSING MOTHERS: It is not known whether oxaprozin is excreted in
breast
milk.
SIDE EFFECTS: The most common side effects from oxaprozin are rash,
ringing
in the ears, headaches, dizziness, drowsiness, abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea,
constipation,
heartburn, fluid retention and shortness of breath.
NSAIDs reduce the ability of blood to clot and therefore increase bleeding
after an injury. Oxaprozin also may cause bleeding in the stomach and intestine
as well as ulcers. Sometimes, stomach ulceration and intestinal bleeding can
occur without any abdominal pain.
Black tarry stools, weakness, and dizziness
upon standing may be the only signs of the bleeding.
People who are allergic to other NSAIDs should not use oxaprozin. NSAIDs
reduce the flow of blood to the kidneys and impair function of the kidneys. The
impairment is most likely to occur in patients with preexisting impairment of
kidney function or congestive heart failure, and use of NSAIDs in these patients
should be done cautiously. Individuals with asthma are more likely to experience
allergic reactions to oxaprozin and other NSAIDs. Fluid retention, blood clots,
heart attacks,
hypertension, and heart failure also have been associated with
the use of NSAIDs.
Reference: FDA Prescribing Information
Last Editorial Review: 3/27/2009
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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- 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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