Carbenoxolone

Carbenoxolone Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Mechanism of Action, How Long Does it Take to Work? Carbenoxolone is a brand name. Its generic name is Carbenoxolone.

Carbenoxolone Overview

Carbenoxolone is a steroid derivative used historically in the treatment of stomach or gastro-intestinal ulcers. It is also known as “Carbenoxolone Sodium” or “CBX.” It is a synthetic corticosteroid that acts as a gastroprotective agent. It does not possess systemic anti-inflammatory activity. It is used for the short-term management of active duodenal or gastric ulcer.

Uses for Carbenoxolone

Carbenoxolone is used for the short-term management of active duodenal or gastric ulcer. It can also be used to help prevent the recurrence of duodenal or gastric ulcer. In addition, it may help reduce the severity of symtpoms and improve healing of injured gastric mucosa.

Mode of Action

Carbenoxolone is thought to work by inhibiting the secretion of gastric acid and reducing the inflammation associated with the ulcer. It may also have an immunomodulatory effect on the gastric mucosa. Additionally, it appears to have an antioxidant effect on mucosal membranes.

How Long Does It Take To Work?

Carbenoxolone usually takes 7 to 10 days before its effects are fully evident. Typically, symptom relief and healing occur within 14-21 days.

Absorption

Carbenoxolone is rapidly and almost completely absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, reaching its maximum concentration in the bloodstream within 0.5 to 2 hours. It is distributed into all body tissues and fluids, and into the bones, from where it is slowly eliminated.

Route of Elimination

Carbenoxolone is metabolized by the liver and then eliminated via the gastrointestinal tract and the kidneys.

Dosage

The dosage for carbenoxolone varies depending on the severity of the ulcer. The usual adult dosage is 800 mg taken orally 3 times a day before meals for 7 to 14 days. Children aged 9 years and older should be given the adult dose.

Administration

Carbenoxolone is taken orally with meals or immediately after meals. It can be taken with or without food, but it is important to try to take the medication around the same time each day as directed.

Side Effects

Common side effects of carbenoxolone include nausea, vomiting, heartburn, abdominal pain, headache, dizziness, diaphoresis, flatulence, flushing, and tremor. Less common but more serious side effects include hypokalemia, decreases in blood glucose, and liver enzyme alterations.

Toxicity

Carbenoxolone is generally well tolerated when taken in recommended dosages and there is no report of significant toxicity or overdose. However, if taken in large amounts, carbenoxolone can cause life-threatening manifestations of hyperglycemia, hypokalemia, and metabolic acidosis.

Precautions

Carbenoxolone should be used with caution in patients with a history of liver disease, kidney disease, gastric ulcer, or other gastrointestinal problems. It should also be used with caution in patients with diabetes as it may worsen existing glucose control.

Interactions

Carbenoxolone may interact with other medications, including anticoagulants, antacids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and antibiotics. It is important to discuss all medication and supplement use with your doctor.

Disease Interactions

Carbenoxolone may not be suitable for patients with certain diseases, such as urinary tract obstruction, dehydration, and intestinal obstruction. Please consult your physician if you have any of these conditions before using carbenoxolone.

Drug Interactions

Carbenoxolone may interact with certain drugs, including anticoagulants, antibiotics, antacids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and warfarin. Carbenoxolone may decrease the effectiveness of anticoagulants, so it is important to talk to your doctor if you are taking any medications.

Food Interactions

Carbenoxolone should be taken with food or immediately after meals. Avoid eating high fat meals while taking this medication as it may reduce the absorption of carbenoxolone.

Pregnancy Use

Carbenoxolone should not be used during pregnancy. Also, if you become pregnant while taking this medication, please call your doctor.

Lactation Use

This medication is not recommended for use during lactation. It may pass through breast milk and may cause undesirable reactions in nursing infants.

Acute Overdose

A single acute overdose of carbenoxolone is not likely to cause life-threatening symptoms. However, you should seek immediate medical attention if you experience any symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, frequent urination, confusion, or increased thirst.

Contraindication

Carbenoxolone is contraindicated in patients who are hypersensitive to it or to any of the ingredients; who have severe renal or hepatic impairment; or who have hypernatremia or dehydration. It should also be used with caution in patients with diabetes as it may worsen existing glucose control.

Use Direction

Carbenoxolone should be taken as directed by your doctor. It should be taken orally with meals or immediately after meals. It may be taken with or without food, but it is important to try to take the medication around the same time each day as directed.

Storage Condition

Carbenoxolone should be stored at room temperature between 15°C and 30°C and should be protected from light and moisture. It should also be kept out of reach of children.

Volume of Distribution

The volume of distribution of carbenoxolone is approximately 10L/kg.

Half Life

Carbenoxolone has an elimination half life of 4 hours.

Clearance

Carbenoxolone is cleared from the body by hepatic metabolism and renal excretion.

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