Arthrotec
Company: Searle
Approval Status: Approved December 1997
Treatment for: arthritis
Areas: Musculoskeletal; Rheumatology
| General Information | Clinical Results | Mechanism of Action |
General Information
Arthrotec has been approved as a treatment for arthritis pain. It is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (diclofenac sodium) that is coated with misoprostol (for protection against stomach ulcer).
Clinical Results
Because of the misoprostol coating, Arthrotec is reported to carry a reduced risk of causing ulcers in the stomach and small intestine compared to other non-steroidal anti-inflammatories.
Mechanism of Action
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories alleviate arthritis pain by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins in the affected joint, but they also reduce prostaglandin synthesis in the gastrointestinal lining, leading to increased risk of ulcer formation. Misoprostol fights ulcer formation by reducing the secretion of stomach acid and boosting mucus production.
The FDA drug information shown here is licensed from Thomson CenterWatch. The information provided here is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute medical or pharmaceutical advice which should be sought from qualified medical and pharmaceutical advisers.
