oxaprozin (Daypro)

Oxaprozin belongs to a class of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory 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.

Oxaprozin is indicated:

• For relief of the signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis
• For relief of the signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis
• For relief of the signs and symptoms of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis

NSAIDs 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.

What brand names are available for oxaprozin?

Daypro

Is oxaprozin available as a generic drug?

Yes

Do I need a prescription for oxaprozin?

Yes

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.

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.

: Oxaprozin may increase the blood levels of lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid) 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.

Oxaprozin increases the negative effect of cyclosporine on kidney function.

If aspirin is taken with oxaprozin there may be an increased risk for developing an ulcer.

Persons who have more than 3 alcoholic beverages per day may be at increased risk of developing stomach ulcers when taking oxaprozin or other NSAIDs.

It is not known whether oxaprozin is excreted in breast milk.

What preparations of oxaprozin are available?

Tablets: 600 mg

How should I keep oxaprozin stored?

Oxaprozin should be stored at room temperature below 25 C (77 F) protected from moisture in a sealed container.