You may have been prescribed this medicine by a doctor for body aches, joint swelling, or fever. This is actually a medicine that reduces pain and swelling, and controls fever. Simply put, it belongs to a group of painkillers called NSAIDs. So today, let's talk about this medicine and the things you need to be careful about when using it.
Things you should tell your doctor before using this medicine
Before you start taking this medicine, it is very important to give your doctor a complete account of your health, especially if you have any of the conditions listed below.
- Asthma: Some painkillers may be contraindicated for people with asthma.
- Alcohol use: If you drink more than 3 alcoholic beverages per day.
- Gout: If you have gout.
- Kidney disease: Because the kidneys filter and remove drugs from the body, if the kidneys are weak, the drugs can accumulate in the body.
- Liver disease: If liver function is impaired, the effects of medications may change.
- Stomach ulcers or bleeding: If you have previously had stomach ulcers or bleeding.
- Allergies: If you are allergic to this medicine, aspirin, other painkillers, foods, or dyes.
- Pregnancy: If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
- If you are a breastfeeding mother: You should ask your doctor whether or not you can take this medication while breastfeeding.
How exactly do you use this medicine?
This medicine comes in the form of a solution, so it has to be taken orally.
- Take the dose exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Read the instructions on the medicine label carefully.
- You can mix this with a fruit drink or water and drink it. But you should mix it before drinking.
- Most important: Use the special spoon or cup that comes with this medicine to measure it. Do not use household teaspoons or tablespoons , as they may not measure the exact dose. If you do not have one, ask your doctor.
- If you experience stomach upset after taking the medicine, take this medicine with a meal .
- Take your medicine at the right time, at the right intervals. Do not take it more often than the doctor tells you to.
For young children and adults
This medicine can be prescribed to children in some special cases. However, this decision should be made by a pediatrician. Therefore, if you are giving it to a child, be sure to talk to the doctor.
If you are over 65, the effects of this medicine may be a little stronger. Therefore, a lower dose is usually prescribed.
What to do if you take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken too much medicine, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital, or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital. This is an emergency, so do not delay.
What if I miss a dose of medication?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at the same time , including the one you missed.
Other medicines that should not be used with this medicine, and which you should be careful with
Some medications can cause dangerous reactions when taken with this medicine. Therefore, it is very important to tell your doctor about all medications you are taking (including vitamins and traditional medicines).
| Type of medicine | What to know |
|---|---|
| Do not take these with anything. | |
| Ketorolac | If you take these together, the risk of stomach bleeding is very high. |
| Medicines that prevent blood clotting (e.g. Warfarin) | Excessively increases the risk of bleeding. |
| Methotrexate | Very harmful toxins can occur in the body. |
| Probenecid | Both medications may interfere with their effectiveness. |
| Be very careful when taking these together (ask your doctor) | |
| Other NSAIDs (e.g., Ibuprofen, Naproxen) | Increases the risk of stomach upset, ulcers, and bleeding. |
| Alcohol | Increases the risk of stomach bleeding. |
| Medications for diabetes | Blood sugar levels may be affected. |
| Types of steroids (e.g. Prednisone) | Increases the risk of stomach ulcers and bleeding. |
Things you should be careful about when taking medicine
- If your symptoms (pain, swelling) do not improve, or if they worsen, tell your doctor.
- Other painkillers: Do not take this with over-the-counter painkillers like `Ibuprofen` or `Naproxen`. Doing so may increase the risk of side effects such as stomach irritation, nausea, and stomach ulcers.
- Risk of stomach bleeding: This is very important.
- Drowsiness and dizziness: This medicine may make you feel drowsy and dizzy. Therefore, until you know how this medicine affects you, avoid driving, using machinery, or doing other activities that require concentration. Do not get up from a sitting position or stand up from a standing position suddenly. Change positions frequently, especially if you are elderly.
- Keep out of reach of children and pets.
- Store at room temperature (between 15 and 30 degrees Celsius).
- Throw away any medicine left after the expiration date.
- Before starting this medication, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and all medications you are taking.
- Do not take other painkillers (especially NSAIDs) with this medicine without consulting your doctor.
- If you have black stools, vomiting blood, or severe stomach pain, it could be a sign of stomach bleeding. Seek medical attention immediately.
- If you suspect an overdose, call the National Poisons Information Center or go to an ETU without delay.
- This medicine is for you only. Never give your medicine to others.
This medicine can cause ulcers and bleeding in your intestines or stomach at any time. Sometimes this can happen without any symptoms and can be life-threatening. To reduce this risk, avoid smoking and drinking alcohol completely while taking this medicine.
What are the possible side effects?
Like all medications, this one can have side effects. Some are serious, some are common.
| If you experience these symptoms, tell your doctor immediately. | |
|---|---|
| Allergies | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Bleeding | Black or tarry stools, vomiting blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds, red or dark brown urine, small red or purple spots on the skin, and unexplained bruising. |
| Kidney damage | Decreased urine output, swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet. |
| Liver damage | Pain in the upper right side of the stomach, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stools, dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing of the skin or eyes, unusual tiredness. |
| Ringing in the ears | If you keep hearing a ringing sound inside your ears. |
| These are usually not serious, but if they persist, tell your doctor. | |
| Stomach inflammation | Heartburn |
| Nausea | Nausea |
| Stomach ache | Upset stomach |
| Vomiting | Vomiting |
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