Napratec

What is it?

An NSAID and propionic acid/prostaglandin analogue, available as 56 scored, yellow oblong tablets containing 500mg of naproxen, marked Searle N500, and 56 scored, white hexagonal shaped tablets containing 200µg of misoprostol, marked Searle 1461, in a combined pack.

Medical Uses

Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis where the stomach has to be protected against the medication.

Dosage

Adults, 1 of each type of tablet taken twice each day with food.

Special Care

Asthma, liver or kidney damage, elderly, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, disease of blood vessels. Effective contraception must be used by women of child-bearing age. Monitoring required for those taking drugs long-term.

Avoid Use

Children, pregnancy, breastfeeding, duodenal or gastric ulcer, allergy induced by aspirin or anti- inflammatory drugs.

Possible Drug and Food Interactions

Diuretics, anticoagulants, sulfonylureas, cyclosporin, quinolones, sulfonamides, hydantoins, lithium, β-blockers, probenecid, corticosteroids, methotrexate.

Known Side Effects

Diarrhoea, abdominal pain, gastrointestinal upset, vaginal bleeding, menorrhagia (long or heavy menstruation), rash, allergic skin reactions, headache, dizziness, tinnitus (ringing in ears), vertigo, blood changes.