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nabumetone
Relafen, Relifex§

Pregnancy Risk Category C

How supplied
Tablets:
500 mg, 750 mg

Action
Unknown. Probably acts by inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis.

Indications & dosage
Rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis--

Adults:
initially, 1,000 mg P.O. daily as a single dose or in divided doses b.i.d. Maximum daily dose is 2,000 mg.

Adverse reactions
CNS:
dizziness, headache, fatigue, insomnia, nervousness, somnolence.
CV:
vasculitis, edema.
EENT:
tinnitus.
GI:
diarrhea, dyspepsia, abdominal pain, constipation, flatulence, nausea, dry mouth, gastritis, stomatitis, anorexia, vomiting, bleeding, ulceration.
Respiratory:
dyspnea, pneumonitis.
Skin:
pruritus, rash, increased diaphoresis.

Interactions
Drug-drug.
Diuretics: NSAIDs may decrease diuretic effectiveness. Monitor patients closely during therapy.
Warfarin, other highly protein-bound drugs,:
increased risk of adverse effects from displacement of drugs by nabumetone. Use together cautiously.
Drug-food.
Any food: increased absorption. Give drug with food.
Drug-lifestyle.
Alcohol use: associated with an increased risk of additive GI toxicity. Avoid concomitant use.

Effects on diagnostic tests
None reported.

Contraindications
Contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity reactions and history of aspirin- or NSAID-induced asthma, urticaria, or other allergic-type reactions.

Nursing considerations

Patient teaching

*Liquid contains alcohol. **May contain tartrazine.  †Canada  ‡Australia  §U.K.  OTCOver the counter
Reactions may be common, uncommon, life-threatening, or COMMON AND LIFE-THREATENING

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