Phenylbutazone
About Phenylbutazone
Phenylbutazone is used to treat pain, swelling and inflammation in various medical conditions, including ankylosing spondylitis and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease in which the immune cells attack the joints and cause bone erosion, leading to severe pain and swelling. Ankylosing spondylitis is a kind of arthritis that causes inflammation of the spine's joints and ligaments.
Phenylbutazone contains Phenylbutazone, which works by blocking the release of a chemical messenger called prostaglandin, produced by COX-2, which is responsible for pain, swelling and inflammation. Thus, Phenylbutazone effectively helps to manage pain in various conditions.
You should take this medicine exactly as the doctor prescribed it. The common side effects of Phenylbutazone are nausea, vomiting, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, epigastric distress, diarrhoea, oedema due to salt retention, skin rashes, and blurred vision. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if you experience these side effects persistently.
Before taking Phenylbutazone, let your doctor know about all your medical conditions, sensitivities, and medications you are using. Inform your doctor if you have ulcers or bleeding in your stomach, severe liver and/or kidney impairment, colitis (inflammation of the large intestine), uncontrolled blood pressure, or heart problems. Also, inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. Phenylbutazone should not be taken during pregnancy. Phenylbutazone and its metabolite cross the placenta and are excreted in milk, so do not breastfeed while using Phenylbutazone.
Uses of Phenylbutazone
Medicinal Benefits
Phenylbutazone contains ‘Phenylbutazone’, which is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It acts as both an analgesic (reduces pain) and an anti-inflammatory (reduces inflammation) agent. It is a selective COX-2 inhibitor. COX-2 enzymes are responsible for converting arachidonic acid to prostaglandins, which are inflammatory mediators. The blocking of COX-2 reduces the production of prostaglandins, eventually decreasing pain and inflammation.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Phenylbutazone
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Headache
- Epigastric distress
- Diarrhoea
- Edema due to salt retention
- Skin rashes
- Blurred vision
Drug Warnings
Before taking Phenylbutazone, let your doctor know about all your medical conditions, sensitivities, and medications you are using. Do not take Phenylbutazone if you are allergic to any components present in Phenylbutazone or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. If you have stomach ulcers or bleeding, GI toxicity, heart failure (congestive heart failure), hyperkalemia, renal dysfunction, or hypertension, speak with your doctor before taking Phenylbutazone. If you have any of the following symptoms, seek emergency medical attention right away: chest pain, shortness of breath, weakness in one area or side of the body, or slurred speech.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug interactions: Phenylbutazone may interact with other NSAID medications (e.g. naproxen, celecoxib), anticancer medications (e..g acalabrutinib), antiviral medications (e.g. adefovir), anticoagulants (e.g. warfarin, apixaban), and immunosuppressants (e.g. methotrexate).
Drug-Food interactions: Consumption of alcoholic beverages should be avoided.
Drug-Disease interactions: Phenylbutazone may interact with various disease conditions, including stomach ulcers or bleeding, GI toxicity, heart failure (congestive heart failure), hyperkalemia, renal dysfunction, and hypertension.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionConsuming alcohol along with Phenylbutazone is not advisable.
Pregnancy
cautionPhenylbutazone is not suggested during pregnancy since there is insufficient evidence on how it may impact a growing infant.
Breast Feeding
cautionPhenylbutazone and its metabolite cross the placenta and are excreted in milk, so do not breastfeed while using it.
Driving
unsafePhenylbutazone may cause dizziness and blurred vision. So, you should not drive or operate heavy machinery after taking Phenylbutazone.
Liver
cautionPhenylbutazone should be used with caution in patients with liver diseases. So, inform your doctor if you have a liver impairment/disorder history. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing Phenylbutazone.
Kidney
cautionPhenylbutazone should be used with caution in patients with kidney diseases. So, inform your doctor if you have a kidney impairment/disorder history. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing Phenylbutazone.
Children
cautionLimited information is available regarding the usage of Phenylbutazone in children, so please consult a doctor if you have any concerns.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Maintain a healthy body weight because obesity can lead to joint pain. Please avoid strenuous exercise as it may aggravate your arthritis-related joint pain. Instead, you can stretch and engage in low-impact aerobic exercises such as treadmill walking, biking, and swimming. Lifting light weights can also help to improve your muscle strength.
- Increase your intake of glucosamine, chondroitin sulphate, vitamin D, and calcium-rich supplements. Aside from that, turmeric and fish oils can help to reduce tissue inflammation.
- Include fish such as salmon, trout, tuna, and sardines in your diet if you have arthritis or joint pain. These fish are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which aid in the reduction of inflammation (redness and swelling) and the protection of the heart.
- Your sitting posture is critical, especially if you suffer from pain or inflammation. Try to sit as little as possible and only for a short period of time (10-15 min). To alleviate pain, place a rolled-up towel at the back of your curve. In addition, if necessary, a footrest can be used.
- Follow heat or cold therapy by applying a cold or hot compress to the joints on a regular basis for 15-20 minutes.
- Relax by meditating, reading, taking a nice bubble bath, or listening to calming music.
- Avoid drinking alcohol and quit smoking.
Special Advise
- Do not exceed the stated recommended dose.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Ankylosing spondylitis: It causes pain and stiffness in the spine. The pain usually starts in the lower back and can spread to the neck, damaged joints, or other body parts. Symptoms include decreased flexibility, which usually leads to hunched-forward posture and pain in the back and joints.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA): Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease in which the immune cells attack the joints and cause bone erosion, leading to severe pain and swelling. It may lead to joint deformity if left untreated.
FAQs
Phenylbutazone is used to treat ankylosing spondylitis and rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Phenylbutazone contains ‘Phenylbutazone’, which is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It is a COX-2 inhibitor. COX-2 enzyme produces prostaglandins that cause pain, swelling and inflammation.
Phenylbutazone is a pain reliever that helps in the relief of pain and inflammation associated with joint disorders. However, taking it without the advice of a doctor is not advised.
Phenylbutazone is not recommended for the longer term, especially in higher doses, as it increases the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Phenylbutazone is not recommended for the longer term, especially in higher doses, as it increases the risk of heart attack and stroke.
When apixaban is used with phenylbutazone, the risk of bleeding increases, including severe and often deadly haemorrhage. If you have any questions or concerns, consult your doctor. Your doctor may be aware of the risks but has determined that this is the best course of therapy for you, has taken the necessary measures, and is closely monitoring you for any potential consequences.
In individuals with severe heart failure, Phenylbutazone should be avoided unless the benefits are believed to outweigh the risk of worsening heart failure. Patients with severe heart failure should be observed for signs of worsening heart failure if an NSAID is administered.