$Unique_ID{BRK02088}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{PHENYLBUTAZONE}
$Subject{Azolid (U.S.V.)
Butazolidin (Geigy)
phenylbutazone (various manufacturers)}
$Volume{}
$Log{}

Copyright (C) 1991 Publications International, Ltd.


PHENYLBUTAZONE
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BRAND NAMES (Manufacturers):
     Azolid (U.S.V.)
     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.  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 of this medication.

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.
     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 be increased by phenylbutazone.
     6. Phenylbutazone can decrease the elimination of lithium through the
kidneys, which can lead to an increased risk of side effects.
     Before starting to take this medication, BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR
about any medications you are currently taking, especially any of those listed
above.

WARNINGS

     * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to
any medications, especially to phenylbutazone or other nonsteroidal
antiinflammatory medications (such as aspirin, diclofenac, diflunisal,
fenoprofen, flurbiprofen, ibuprofen, indomethacin, ketoprofen, meclofenamate,
mefenamic acid, naproxen, oxyphenbutazone, sulfinpyrazone, sulindac, or
tolmetin).
     * Tell your doctor if you now have or if you have ever had 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.
     * Because phenylbutazone can prolong your bleeding time, tell your doctor
or dentist that you are taking this drug before having surgery or any other
medical or dental treatment.
     * This medication can 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.

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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.
