Bextra
Bextra Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Mechanism of Action, How Long Does it Take to Work? Bextra is a brand name. Its generic name is Valdecoxib.
What is Bextra?
Bextra is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), used in the treatment of mild to moderate pain, and mild to moderate osteoarthritis. It is marketed under the brand names of Avalide and Biaxin.Uses
Bextra is used for the relief of mild to moderate pain, and to reduce inflammation and swelling, such as those associated with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other musculoskeletal conditions. It is also used to reduce fever and menstrual cramps.Mechanism of Action
Bextra is an NSAID that relieves pain and reduces inflammation in the affected area. It works by blocking the enzyme cyclooxygenase, which helps to reduce prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are hormones that cause inflammation and pain. By blocking the enzyme, Bextra reduces the production of these hormones, therefore reducing pain and inflammation.How Long Does it Take to Work?
Bextra usually begins to work within 1 to 3 days, but it may take up to 7 days for the full effect to be felt.Absorption
Bextra is rapidly absorbed after oral administration. Its absorption does not appear to be affected by food.Route of Elimination
Bextra is mainly eliminated from the body through the feces, with only a small amount being eliminated in the urine.Dosage
Bextra should be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. The usual adult doses for the treatment of pain and inflammation due to osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis are 10 to 20 mg twice daily, taken with or without food. The dose may be adjusted, based on the patient’s response.Administration
Bextra is taken orally, with or without food.Side Effects
Common side effects of Bextra include nausea, headache, dizziness, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and constipation. Other less common side effects may include rash, itching, and fluid retention.Toxicity
Bextra can cause serious side effects when taken in excessive doses. Common signs of toxicity include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, drowsiness, confusion, and hallucinations. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.Precautions
Before taking Bextra, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any other drugs, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or if you have any other allergies. Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including herbal products and nonprescription medicines.Interactions
Bextra may interact with other medications. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor about all the prescription and nonprescription medicines you are taking.Drug Interactions
Bextra may interact with certain medications, such as blood thinners, lithium, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and diuretics. Be sure to tell your doctor about all the medicines you take.Food Interactions
Bextra may interact with certain foods or drinks, such as grapefruit juice and alcoholic beverages. Grapefruit juice can increase the amount of Bextra in your blood, while alcohol can reduce its effectiveness.Pregancy Use
There is not enough information available to determine the safety of Bextra during pregnancy. It should be avoided if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.Lactation Use
Bextra is not recommended if you are nursing.Acute Overdose
An acute overdose of Bextra may cause serious side effects such as drowsiness, confusion, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, and decreased breathing. Seek medical help immediately if you or someone you know has taken an overdose.Contraindication
Bextra should not be taken by people who have an allergy to NSAID drugs, or by people who have a history of heart, liver or kidney disease.Use Direction
Bextra should be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. The medication should be taken with or without food.Storage Condition
Bextra should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.Volume of Distribution
Bextra has a large volume of distribution, meaning that it is widely distributed throughout body tissues.Half Life
The half-life of Bextra is approximately 10 hours.Clearance
Bextra has a clearance rate of approximately 30 mL/min.Here you find in details version of Bextra
Some Frequently Asked Questions About Bextra
What is Bextra ?
Bextra is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that was sold as a prescription drug under the brand name Bainde until it was voluntarily withdrawn by the manufacturer in 2005.
How is Bextra taken?
Bextra is taken orally in tablet form and should be taken as instructed by your doctor, usually one or two tablets once a day.
How does Bextra work?
Bextra works by blocking COX-2 enzymes, which are responsible for the production of prostaglandins, the hormones that cause inflammation, swelling, and pain.
What is Bextra used to treat?
Bextra is used to treat pain and inflammation associated with a number of conditions, such as arthritis, migraine, and other musculoskeletal conditions.
Who should not take Bextra?
Bextra should not be taken by anyone who is allergic to it or its ingredients, who has or has had bleeding disorders, who has had recent cardiac or cerebrovascular events, or who has had a stomach ulcer or bleeding in the stomach or intestines.
Are there any side effects of Bextra?
Common side effects of Bextra include nausea, diarrhea, and headache. More serious side effects include anemia, liver toxicity, and an increased risk of heart attack or stroke.
How long does it take for Bextra to work?
Bextra may take up to several weeks to take full effect, but some people may begin to experience relief from these symptoms after just a few days.
What if I miss a dose of Bextra?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your regular dose instead.
Can I take Bextra with other medications?
Bextra should not be taken with certain medications, such as other NSAIDs, steroids, cancer medications, and blood thinners, so it is important to discuss your current medications with your doctor before starting Bextra.
What precautions should be taken while taking Bextra?
It is important to drink plenty of water while taking Bextra to help prevent stomach upset and ulcers. It is also important to not take Bextra for longer than your doctor has prescribed. You should also avoid alcohol while taking Bextra.
Can Bextra be used during pregnancy?
No, Bextra is not recommended for use during pregnancy, as it can increase the risk of temporary narrowing of the heart valves. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk to your doctor about alternative treatments.
Does Bextra have any interactions with other medications?
Bextra can interact with certain medications, such as blood thinners, steroids, cancer medications, and other NSAIDs, so it is important to discuss your current medications with your doctor before taking Bextra.
Will Bextra show up on a drug test?
Yes, Bextra may show up on a drug test depending on the method used. If you are concerned about this, it is important to talk to your doctor.
Can I drive while taking Bextra?
It is important to use caution while driving or operating any machinery while taking Bextra as it may cause drowsiness or dizziness. If you experience these symptoms, it is important to not drive or operate machinery until the effects wear off.
Can Bextra cause stomach ulcers?
Yes, Bextra can increase the risk of developing stomach or intestinal ulcers or bleeding. It is important to talk to your doctor about the risk of developing stomach or intestinal complications before taking Bextra.
Can I take Bextra with acetaminophen?
No, Bextra and acetaminophen (Tylenol) should not be taken together, as they can increase the risk of kidney problems.
Will Bextra make me sleepy?
Bextra may cause drowsiness or dizziness, so it is important to use caution while driving or operating machinery. If you experience these symptoms, it is important not to drive or operate machinery until the effects wear off.
What should I do if I experience side effects from Bextra?
It is important to talk to your doctor if you experience any side effects from taking Bextra, as your doctor may need to adjust your dosage or switch you to a different medication.
Is it safe to take Bextra long-term?
It is important to not take Bextra for longer than prescribed by your doctor, as long-term use can increase the risk of serious side effects. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of taking Bextra long-term.
Are there any alternatives to Bextra?
Yes, there are many alternatives to Bextra, such as ibuprofen and naproxen. Talk to your doctor about the best option for you.
Can Bextra cause kidney damage?
Yes, long term use of Bextra can cause kidney damage, so it is important to talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of taking Bextra long-term.
Can I overdose on Bextra?
Yes, an overdose of Bextra can be dangerous and can cause serious side effects. It is important to follow your doctor's instructions for taking and stopping Bextra.
Can Bextra be used for migraine headaches?
Yes, Bextra can be used to treat migraine headaches. Talk to your doctor about your symptoms and the best option for treating your migraine.
Does taking Bextra increase my risk of heart attack or stroke?
Yes, taking Bextra can increase your risk of heart attack or stroke. It is important to talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of taking Bextra before starting treatment.
Can children take Bextra?
No, Bextra is not recommended for use in children under the age of 18. Talk to your doctor about the best option for treating your child's pain.
Can I take Bextra while breastfeeding?
No, Bextra is not recommended for use while breastfeeding. Talk to your doctor about the best option for treating your pain and inflammation while breastfeeding.
What are the most common side effects of Bextra?
The most common side effects of Bextra are nausea, diarrhea, and headache. More serious side effects include anemia, liver toxicity, and an increased risk of heart attack or stroke.
Can Bextra be used to treat arthritis?
Yes, Bextra can be used to treat pain and inflammation associated with arthritis. Talk to your doctor about the best option for treating your arthritis.
How long should I take Bextra for?
It is important to not take Bextra for longer than your doctor has prescribed, as long-term use can increase the risk of serious side effects. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of taking Bextra long-term.
Can Bextra be taken with food?
Yes, Bextra can be taken with food or on an empty stomach. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns about taking Bextra with food.
Can I take Bextra if I have high blood pressure?
Yes, it is safe to take Bextra if you have high blood pressure. Talk to your doctor about any other medications you are taking and the best option for treating your pain.
Does Bextra cause weight gain?
No, Bextra does not cause weight gain. Talk to your doctor if you experience any unexplained weight gain while taking Bextra.
Does Bextra interact with any other drugs?
Bextra can interact with certain medications, such as blood thinners, steroids, cancer medications, and other NSAIDs, so it is important to discuss your current medications with your doctor before taking Bextra.
Should I avoid certain foods while taking Bextra?
No, there is no need to avoid any foods while taking Bextra. However, it is important to drink plenty of water to help prevent stomach upset and ulcers.
Can I take Bextra if I have an ulcer?
It is important to talk to your doctor if you have or have had a stomach ulcer or bleeding in the stomach or intestines, as Bextra can increase the risk of complications. Your doctor may prescribe another medication or adjust the dosage of Bextra.
What will happen if I take too much Bextra?
If you take too much Bextra, it can cause serious side effects such as increased risk of heart attack or stroke and liver toxicity. It is important to follow your doctor's instructions for taking and stopping Bextra.
Are there any age restrictions for taking Bextra?
Bextra is not recommended for use in children under 18 years old. Talk to your doctor about the best option for treating your child's pain and inflammation.
Can Bextra cause dizziness?
Yes, Bextra may cause drowsiness or dizziness, so it is important to use caution while driving or operating machinery. If you experience these symptoms, it is important not to drive or operate machinery until the effects wear off.
Can I drink alcohol while taking Bextra?
No, it is important to not drink alcohol while taking Bextra, as it can increase the risk of stomach or intestinal bleeding. Talk to your doctor if you experience any stomach upset or ulcers while taking Bextra.
Does Bextra cause thirst or dry mouth?
No, Bextra does not typically cause thirst or dry mouth. Talk to your doctor if you experience any unusual symptoms while taking Bextra.
Can I take Bextra while pregnant?
No, Bextra is not recommended for use during pregnancy, as it can increase the risk of temporary narrowing of the heart valves. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk to your doctor about alternative treatments.
Can I take Bextra if I have diabetes?
Yes, it is safe to take Bextra if you have diabetes. Talk to your doctor about any other medications you are taking and the best option for treating your pain.
Can Bextra make me gain weight?
No, Bextra does not cause weight gain. Talk to your doctor if you experience any unexplained weight gain while taking Bextra.
Can I take Bextra with ibuprofen?
No, Bextra and ibuprofen (Advil) should not be taken together, as they can increase the risk of stomach upset and ulcers. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns about taking these medications together.
Can Bextra cause problems with vision or hearing?
No, Bextra