$Unique_ID{BRK03285} $Pretitle{} $Title{phenylbutazone} $Subject{Butazolidin Geigy Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory analgesic phenylbutazone inflammation pain redness swelling arthritis thrombophlebitis mechanism sensitivity pain} $Volume{} $Log{} Copyright (C) 1993 Publications International, Ltd. phenylbutazone ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ BRAND NAMES (Manufacturers) Butazolidin (Geigy) phenylbutazone (various manufacturers) TYPE OF DRUG Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory analgesic INGREDIENT phenylbutazone DOSAGE FORMS Tablets (100 mg) Capsules (100 mg) STORAGE Phenylbutazone tablets and capsules should be stored at room temperature in tightly closed containers. USES Phenylbutazone is used to reduce inflammation (pain, redness, and swelling) due to arthritis or thrombophlebitis when other anti-inflammatory agents have been unsuccessful. It is not clearly understood how phenylbutazone works, but it is thought to act by interfering with the body's inflammatory mechanism or by decreasing the sensitivity of the body's pain mechanism. TREATMENT In order to avoid stomach upset, you can take phenylbutazone with food or with a full glass of water or milk. Ask your doctor if you can take phenylbutazone with an antacid. Phenylbutazone tablets should be swallowed whole. Do not break or crush them. If you miss a dose of this medication and you are taking it once or twice a day, take the missed dose as soon as possible, unless it is almost time for the next dose. In that case, do not take the missed dose at all; just return to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the next dose. If you are taking phenylbutazone three or more times per day and you miss a dose, take the missed dose right away (if you remember within an hour of the correct time); then take the next dose as scheduled. If more than an hour has passed, however, do not take the missed dose at all; just return to your regular schedule. Do not double the next dose. SIDE EFFECTS Minor. Abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, drowsiness, gas, headache, heartburn, indigestion, irritability, nausea, numbness, vomiting, or weakness. These side effects should disappear as your body adjusts to the medication. You may experience constipation when taking this drug. To relieve constipation, increase the amount of fiber in your diet (fresh fruits and vegetables, salads, bran, and whole-grain breads), exercise, and drink more water (unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise). Major. Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or particularly bothersome. IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about bloody or black, tarry stools; blurred vision; confusion; depression; difficulty in breathing; difficulty in hearing; difficult or painful urination; fatigue; fever; itching; mouth sores; rash; ringing in the ears; severe abdominal pain; sore throat; swelling of the ankles; tremors; unusual bleeding or bruising; weight gain of more than three pounds within a week; or yellowing of the eyes or skin. INTERACTIONS Phenylbutazone interacts with several other types of medications: 1. It can increase the kidney side effects of penicillamine; increase skin reactions to chloroquine, gold compounds, and hydroxychloroquine; and increase the effects on the blood of antineoplastic agents (anticancer medicines), chloramphenicol, colchicine, gold compounds, pyrimethamine, and trimethoprim. 2. The gastrointestinal side effects of phenylbutazone analgesic can be increased by the use of alcohol or anti-inflammatory medications. 3. Phenylbutazone can decrease the blood levels and effectiveness of digitoxin, hexobarbital, and cortisone. 4. Cholestyramine can decrease the absorption of phenylbutazone from the gastrointestinal tract, which can decrease its effectiveness. 5. The active blood levels and side effects of oral anticoagulants (blood thinners, such as warfarin), insulin, oral antidiabetic medicines, sulfonamide antibiotics, sodium valproate, methotrexate, sulfonylurea drugs, and phenytoin can possibly be increased by the use of phenylbutazone. 6. Phenylbutazone can decrease the elimination of lithium through the kidneys, which can lead to an increased risk of side effects. BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any medications you are currently taking, especially those listed above. WARNINGS * Be sure to tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to any medications, especially to phenylbutazone or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (such as aspirin, diclofenac, diflunisal, fenoprofen, flurbiprofen, ibuprofen, indomethacin, ketoprofen, meclofenamate, mefenamic acid, naproxen, oxyphenbutazone, sulfinpyrazone, sulindac, or tolmetin). * Be sure to tell your doctor if you now have or if you have ever had any of the following medical disorders: anemia, blood disorders, heart disease, hypertension, inflamed salivary glands, kidney disease, liver disease, mouth sores, pancreatitis, peptic ulcers, polymyalgia rheumatica, stomach problems, temporal arteritis, or thyroid disease. * Use of this drug has been associated with leukemia, although there is no definite proof that it causes the disease. * If phenylbutazone makes you dizzy or drowsy, do not take part in any activity that requires alertness, such as driving a car or operating potentially dangerous machinery. Also, be especially cautious going up and down stairs. * Because phenylbutazone has been shown to prolong your bleeding time, it is very important that you tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medication before having surgery or any other type of medical or dental treatment. * This medication has been shown to cause serious blood disorders. Therefore, it should never be used for trivial aches or pains. * This drug should be used for a short time only. Follow your doctor's directions exactly, and never exceed the recommended dosage. * Some of these products contain the color additive FD&C Yellow No. 5 (tartrazine), which can cause allergic-type reactions (shortness of breath, rash, or fainting) in certain susceptible individuals. * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant. Although studies in humans have not been conducted, unwanted effects have been observed in the offspring of animals that received large doses of this drug during pregnancy. If taken late in pregnancy, phenylbutazone can also prolong labor. Also, tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding an infant. Small doses of phenylbutazone pass into breast milk. ---------------- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical problem.