Pregnancy Risk Category C
How supplied
Caplets: 600 mg
Action
Unknown. Produces anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic effects, possibly by inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis.
Indications & dosage
Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis--
Adults: initially, 1,200 mg P.O. daily. Then, individualized to smallest effective dose to minimize adverse reactions. Smaller patients or those with mild symptoms may need only 600 mg daily. Maximum is 1,800 mg or 26 mg/kg, whichever is lower, in divided doses.
Adverse reactions
CNS: depression, sedation, somnolence, confusion, sleep disturbances.
EENT: tinnitus, blurred vision.
GI: nausea, dyspepsia, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain or distress, anorexia, flatulence, vomiting, hemorrhage, stomatitis.
GU: dysuria, urinary frequency.
Hematologic: prolonged bleeding time, anemia.
Hepatic: elevated liver function test results with long-term use; severe hepatic dysfunction (rare).
Skin: rash, photosensitivity.
Interactions
Drug-drug. Antihypertensives, diuretics: decreased effect. Monitor patient closely and adjust dosage, as ordered.
Aspirin: oxaprozin displaces salicylates from plasma protein-binding sites, increasing risk of salicylate toxicity. Avoid concomitant use.
Aspirin, corticosteroids: increased risk of adverse GI reactions. Avoid concomitant use.
Cyclosporine: nephrotoxicity may be increased. Avoid use together.
Lithium, phenytoin: serum levels of these drugs may be increased. Avoid concomitant use.
Methotrexate: increased risk of methotrexate toxicity. Avoid concomitant use.
Oral anticoagulants: although problems haven't been reported, there is an increased risk of bleeding. Use together cautiously.
Drug-lifestyle. Alcohol use: increased risk of adverse GI reactions. Avoid concomitant use.
Sun exposure: photosensitivity reactions may occur. Take precautions.
Effects on diagnostic tests
None reported.
Contraindications
Contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to drug and in those with the syndrome of nasal polyps, angioedema, and bronchospastic reaction to aspirin or other NSAIDs.
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