Flanax, the widely recognized over-the-counter medication, is primarily used to alleviate different types of pain and reduce fever. The drug displays great antipyretic and pain-reducing properties due to the active ingredient, which is NSAID.
NSAIDs are a class of anti-inflammatory drugs that are well-known for their ability to reduce pain due to inflammation. This drug class is known best for reducing this kind of pain and works best for arthritis and similar conditions. Find out below!
This article will explore the different ways to know more about the drug, from its uses, dosage, potential side effects, interactions, precautions, and more.
The following sections will also investigate the different aspects of the drugs that can make their understanding better for health-conscious individuals.
What Is Flanax? The Most VITAL Uses Of Flanax
Flanax is mainly used to relieve pain from several conditions such as muscle aches, headache, menstrual pain and swelling. The medication is best for reducing swelling and pain due to inflammation.
Patients find relief with its help from bursitis, arthritis, and gout attacks. This is due to the action of naproxen sodium, which helps.
The medication belongs to the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug class, which works by blocking the body’s production of certain natural substances that cause inflammation.
Moreover, if you are treating a chronic condition such as arthritis, ask your physician about the condition. They can conduct a thorough check and help you with the condition. Also, share with them a detailed medical history for a better effect of the drug.
The uses of Flanax include the following where it temporarily relieves minor pain associated with the following:
- Headaches – The drug is effective in reducing migraine and tension headaches
- Muscle Aches – The drug is known to alleviate discomfort from muscle sprains and strains
- Toothaches – Flanax is also sometimes recommended for dental pain
- Common Cold – The drug can provide relief from symptoms of the common cold, such as fever, body aches, and colds.
- Backaches – You can use the medication for alleviating backache
- Menstrual cramps – The drug is effective at reducing menstrual cramps
- Minor Arthritis Pain – You can use the drug to manage inflammatory pain in the joints and stiffness
In addition, the drug is great at reducing fever.
Administration And Dosage
Contrary to popular belief, dosage is not the amount of drug that’s administered – that’s dose. Dosage is the manner in which drug administration is done – for example, your doctor would recommend swallowing a drug whole with water.
For both adults and children above 12 years, the dosage is as follows:
- One tablet is taken every 8 to 12 hours while symptoms persist. The first dose may allow you to take two tablets within the first hour.
The maximum dosage is two tablets within 8 to 12 hours or three tablets in a 24 hours.
You should take the drug with water. In case of stomach upset, take Flanax with food or milk. It may help prevent stomach upsets when taking the medication on an empty stomach. Use the smallest effective dose, as suggested by your doctor.
This will help minimize the potential side effects.
Side Effects Of Flanax
Many individuals easily tolerate Flanax; however, it may cause side effects for others. This includes:
- Gastrointestinal issues which may be evident through stomach pain, indigestion, and belching
- Skin reactions such as rashes and itching
- Respiratory symptoms which may be chest tightness, difficulty breathing
- Headaches, bruising and swelling
Severe allergic reactions may look like:
- HIves
- Fatal swelling
- Asthma and wheezing
- Skin reddening
- Shock
- Skin blisters
If you experience any of the above symptoms, be sure to seek immediate medical attention and discontinue the use of this drug.
Precautions
One of the most important things you can do here is take care of the following points to avoid side effects and promote safe use:
- If you’ve had an allergic reaction to naproxen, aspirin, or other NSAIDs, then avoid Flanax completely and let your doctor know about the allergic reaction.
- Existing medical conditions include a history of stomach ulcers, heart disease, liver cirrhosis or kidney disease, and asthma.
- If you are aged 60 or older, you may have a higher risk of stomach bleeding.
- If you have undergone surgery or will undergo it, avoid taking the drug
- Regular alcohol consumption can increase the risk of stomach bleeding; thus, avoid taking the drug in such use.
In addition, pregnant women should avoid taking the drug in the last trimester. Take the drug as directed by your physician to avoid complications during delivery or in the future.
Drug Interactions
Flanax can react with several medications that can potentially alter the effectiveness and increase the risk of adverse fits. Notable interactions include:
- Anticoagulants such as warfarin should not be consumed with Flanax to prevent bleeding
- Other NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen aspirin can increase the risk of side effects
- Blood pressure medications such as ACE inhibitors diuretics reduce the efficacy of Flanax
- Lithium can elevate the risk of toxicity when taken with Flanax.
Always inform your healthcare provider about your health history and any allergies to the drug class. It is always best to inform your provider of all the medications or supplements you may be taking to ensure the safe use of Flanax.
Overdose And Emergency
In case of an overdose, seek immediate medical attention and contact a poison control center for immediate attention. Symptoms of overdose include:
- Drowsiness
- Stomach pain
- Seizures
- Slowed breathing
Store the drug at room temperature away from heat and moisture for complete effectiveness. Ensure the medication is out of reach of pets and children.
Is Flanax Safe?
That was all about the different aspects of Flanax which helps improve health literacy. Your right as a patient is to know what you’re consuming and everything else – including your condition. This is an NSAID that helps reduce pain and inflammation effectively.
It is also helpful in reducing any symptoms of the common cold among other cases. The drug is most suitable for people with joint pain due to inflammation and other conditions such as headache, backache, and toothache.
Never self-medicate and always consult your doctor for the best advice.
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