oxaprozin, Daypro

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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: 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

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.