Details

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Flupirtine Maleate 100mg capsules is an analgesic and muscle relaxant used for acute and chronic pain.

It is neither NSAID nor an opioid analgesic.

It is a triaminopyridine derivative used as analgesic, muscle relaxant and also for neuroprotection.

It is a better alternative than opioids and NSAIDs because of its less adverse effects, no drug dependency and better tolerance.

This drug is under study for future use in parkinsonism disease and neuroinfections.

Mechanism of action:it is a selective potassium channel opener that blocks  glutamate N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDA receptor)  to relieve pain and delays apoptosis. It relaxes muscles by inhibition of both mono- and polysynaptic reflexes.

It is available as Katadolon in both International and as Pruf in Indian markets.

 

Uses

• Flupirtine Maleate 100mg capsules are used in chronic tension headaches after failed treatment by conventional pain relievers.
• Katadolon is used in acute, subacute, and chronic musculoskeletal pain like lower backache, pain after trauma and post operative pain like pain after dental or orthopedic surgery.
• It is also used to reduce the pain of neurogenic origin like lumbar and cervical spinal root pain.
• Pruf also helps in relieving menstrual cramps, cancer pain and pain in fibromyalgia.

 

Dosage

• Flupirtine Maleate 100mg capsules are taken with water and after meals to avoid gastric irritation
• Pruf is stored at room temperature in a dry cool place away from sunlight.
• Final doses are determined by the doctor on the basis of pre existing medical condition, ongoing medications, age, severity of pain and any allergy.
• Doses are modified according to dose related side effects

 

Side effects

• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Dry mouth
• Abdominal bloating
• Itching
• Pruritus
• Muscle tremor
• Nausea and vomiting
• Heartburn
• Drug-induced hepatitis
• Restlessness
• Sedation
• Transient lightheadedness in kidney dysfunction patients

 

Precautions

• Flupirtine Maleate 100mg capsules are contraindicated in cases with a history of hypersensitivity to flupirtine, hepatic encephalopathy, cholestasis, myasthenia gravis, chronic alcoholism, primary biliary cirrhosis, and liver disease.
• Alcohol consumption must be avoided while taking this drug as it might lead to excessive drowsiness.
• Use of Warfarin, benzodiazepines and carbamazepine along with flupirtine must not be used to avoid drug interactions.
• Close monitoring is required for signs and symptoms of liver and kidney dysfunction.
• Pruf must be avoided in pregnant and breastfeeding women.
• Always tell the doctor about pre-existing medical conditions, ongoing medications, any history of allergic reaction, pregnancy , future plan of pregnancy and pregnancy.

It must be used in pregnancy and breastfeeding mothers with caution.