GENERIC NAME: phenylbutazone
BRAND NAME: Butazolidine
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Phenylbutazone 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 a variety NSAIDs for any given condition.
However, because
of an unique risk of bone marrow suppression (causing
dangerously low
white blood counts), phenylbutazone is generally reserved only
for
short-term use in selected patients.
PRESCRIPTION: yes
GENERIC AVAILABLE: yes
PREPARATIONS: Capsules and tablets: 100mg.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature, sealed container,
avoid
moisture.
PRESCRIBED FOR: Phenylbutazone is used for the
treatment of
inflammation and pain that results from rheumatoid arthritis,
ankylosing
spondylitis, gouty arthritis, and osteoarthritis.
DOSING: Should be taken with food.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Phenylbutazone 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. Phenylbutazone 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.
Additionally,
patients taking cyclosporine (Sandimmune) can develop kidney
toxicity. Use
in children has not been adequately studied. Phenylbutazone 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. Phenylbutazone is best discontinued at least
three days in
advance of the procedure.
PREGNANCY: Phenylbutazone is generally avoided during
pregnancy.
NURSING MOTHERS: Phenylbutazone is generally avoided in
nursing
mothers.
SIDE EFFECTS: Most patients benefit from NSAIDs with
little side
effects. However, serious side effects can occur, and generally
tend to be
dose related. Phenylbutazone is not a commonly used NSAID
because of a
unique potential for severe bone marrow toxicity, which results
in
dangerously low white blood cell counts. Therefore, it is often
desirable
to use the lowest effective dose to minimize side effects. The
most common
side effects of phenylbutazone involve the gastrointestinal
system. It can
also 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 are also seen (all more frequently in
seniors).
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.
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From the Doctors at MedicineNet.com  |
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- Ankylosing Spondylitis - Read about ankylosing spondylitis (a form of chronic inflammation of the spine and the sacroiliac joints), which causes spinal pain and stiffness. As ankylosing spondylitis is a systemic rheumatic disease, it may also affect joints and organs. Ankylosing spondylitis symptoms include fatigue and pain and stiffness in the low back, upper buttocks, neck, and spine regions, which is typically worse in the mornings. Aspirin, NSAIDs, and TNF blockers may be necessary for treatment of ankylosing spondylitis. Source:MedicineNet
- Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs and Ulcers - Source:MedicineNet
- Read 15 more phenylbutazone related articles ...
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