Nabumetone

Nabumetone by itself is a weak cyclo-oxygenase inhibitor and is converted by the liver to 6-Methoxy-2-Naphthylacetic acid (6-MNA), a potent inhibitor of prostanoid synthesis.

Indications

Acute and chronic osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, soft tissue rheumatism.

Dosage

Single dose of 1-2g once daily at bet time. Additional 500mg-1g may be administered in the morning in case of severe or persistant symptoms or during acute exacerbations. Elderly patients : 500mg daily. Max daily dose should not exceed 1g. Children : not recommended.

Contra-Indications

Active peptic ulceration, severe hepatic impairment, hypersensitivity to the drug, patients in whom other NSAIDS or aspirin are likely to induce asthma, urticaria or other type of allergic reactions.

Special Precautions

Use in children and in neonates is not recommended. Pregnancy and lactation. Patients with impaired renal function, heart failure, liver dysfunction and those on diuretics and elderly are at a greater risk of precipitating renal decomposition. Look for sign and symptoms of ulceration and bleeding.

Side Effects

Somnolence, albuminuria, azotemia, abnormal vision, stomatitis, headache, leukopenia, granulocytopenia, hyperglcemia, hypokalemia, tinnitus, dizziness, rash, pruritus, angioneurotic edema, haematuria, impotence, anemia, gastrointestinal ulceration and bleeding, abdominal pain, dyspepsia, diarrhoea, nausea, flatulence, gastric, constipation, edema, insomnia, nervousness, weight loss.

Drug Interactions

Protein bound drugs (e.g. anticoagulants) are displaced from their binding sites.