Phenylbutazone
About Phenylbutazone
Phenylbutazone is a prescription medicine used to treat severe pain and inflammation in conditions affecting the joints and spine. Your doctor may prescribe it for severe active rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, or an acute attack of gouty arthritis when other suitable treatments have not provided enough relief.
Phenylbutazone belongs to a group of medicines called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Because phenylbutazone can cause serious side effects, including severe blood disorders and stomach or intestinal bleeding, it is generally reserved for selected patients and used for the shortest duration considered necessary.
Take Phenylbutazone exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Taking it with or immediately after food may help reduce stomach irritation. Do not take more than prescribed or continue treatment for longer than your doctor recommends.
Mild stomach upset, nausea, dizziness, or headache may occur. Consult your doctor right away if you develop unusual bruising or bleeding, fever, sore throat, mouth sores, black or bloody stools, vomiting blood, or severe stomach pain.
Before starting Phenylbutazone, tell your doctor if you have a blood disorder, stomach or intestinal ulcer or bleeding, heart disease, high blood pressure, or kidney or liver problems. Do not take Phenylbutazone if you have previously had a serious allergic reaction to phenylbutazone or certain other NSAIDs.
Phenylbutazone is generally not recommended for children because of its risk of serious side effects. If treatment is being considered for a child, it should only be given under specialist medical supervision. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, as phenylbutazone may not be suitable.
Uses of Phenylbutazone
Medicinal Benefits
Phenylbutazone can help relieve severe pain and inflammation in selected inflammatory joint conditions when other suitable treatments have not provided enough relief.
- Relieves severe joint pain: Reduces pain caused by inflammation, making everyday movement more comfortable.
- Reduces swelling and stiffness: Helps control inflammation in affected joints and may improve mobility during severe flare-ups.
- Provides relief during acute attacks: Can help control severe symptoms during short-term episodes such as an acute gout attack.
Directions for Use
- Take Phenylbutazone with food to reduce stomach upset.
- Follow your doctor's instructions on the dosage and timing of this medication, to ensure the safety.
- Swallow the medicine as a whole with a glass of water.
- Do not crush, break, or chew it.
Storage
Side Effects of Phenylbutazone
Common Side Effects (Usually Mild):
- Upset stomach or nausea
- Bloating or gas
- Diarrhoea
- Dizziness
- Headache
Serious Side Effects (Consult your doctor right away):
- Unexplained bruising, unusual bleeding, or purple spots on the skin
- Fever, sore throat, or mouth sores, which may be signs of a serious blood problem
- Black, tarry, or bloody stools
- Severe stomach pain or vomiting blood
- Chest pain, difficulty breathing, or sudden weakness
- Swelling of the feet, ankles, or legs
- Reduced urination or other signs of kidney problems
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, or other signs of liver problems
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat or difficulty breathing, which may indicate a serious allergic reaction
Drug Warnings
- Know when Phenylbutazone may not be suitable: Do not take Phenylbutazone if you are allergic to phenylbutazone or have had a serious reaction to aspirin or another NSAID. Tell your doctor if you have a blood disorder, active or previous stomach or intestinal ulcer or bleeding, severe heart failure, or serious kidney or liver problems. Your doctor will decide whether Phenylbutazone is safe for you.
- Keep up with your blood tests: Phenylbutazone can cause serious changes in your blood cells. Attend all blood tests and other check-ups recommended by your doctor during treatment.
- Watch for unusual bleeding: Consult your doctor right away if you notice unusual bruising, frequent nosebleeds, bleeding gums, black stools, or blood in your vomit.
- Tell your doctor about fever or a sore throat: Fever, sore throat, mouth sores, or unusual tiredness may be signs of a serious blood problem and need prompt medical assessment.
- Avoid other NSAIDs unless advised: Do not take other NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen or naproxen, with Phenylbutazone unless your doctor specifically recommends them.
- Use it only for as long as prescribed: Phenylbutazone is generally reserved for short-term treatment because serious side effects can occur. Do not continue it beyond the period advised by your doctor.
- Do not give Phenylbutazone to a child without specialist advice: Phenylbutazone is generally not recommended for children because of its safety risks.
- Ask before stopping treatment: Do not stop or change Phenylbutazone on your own. Your doctor will tell you when to stop based on why you are taking it, how long you have been treated, and how you are responding.
- Watch for swelling or sudden weight gain: Tell your doctor if you develop swelling of your feet or ankles or unexplained rapid weight gain, as these may be signs of fluid retention.
Drug Interactions
- Blood thinners (e.g., warfarin): Taking these medicines with Phenylbutazone can increase the risk of serious bleeding.
- Other NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen) or corticosteroids (e.g., prednisolone): Using these medicines together can increase the risk of stomach ulcers and bleeding.
- Methotrexate: Phenylbutazone may reduce the removal of methotrexate from the body, increasing the risk of serious side effects.
- Sulfonylureas for diabetes (e.g., glipizide, gliclazide): Phenylbutazone may increase their blood-sugar-lowering effect and raise the risk of low blood sugar.
- Blood pressure medicines and diuretics (water tablets): Phenylbutazone may reduce the effect of some of these medicines and increase the risk of kidney problems.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionConsuming alcohol along with Phenylbutazone is not advisable.
Pregnancy
cautionPhenylbutazone is not suggested during pregnancy since there is insufficient evidence on how it may impact a growing infant.
Breast Feeding
cautionPhenylbutazone and its metabolite cross the placenta and are excreted in milk, so do not breastfeed while using it.
Driving
unsafePhenylbutazone may cause dizziness and blurred vision. So, you should not drive or operate heavy machinery after taking Phenylbutazone.
Liver
cautionPhenylbutazone should be used with caution in patients with liver diseases. So, inform your doctor if you have a liver impairment/disorder history. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing Phenylbutazone.
Kidney
cautionPhenylbutazone should be used with caution in patients with kidney diseases. So, inform your doctor if you have a kidney impairment/disorder history. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing Phenylbutazone.
Children
cautionLimited information is available regarding the usage of Phenylbutazone in children, so please consult a doctor if you have any concerns.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Avoid alcohol: Avoid alcohol while taking Phenylbutazone because it can increase the risk of stomach irritation and bleeding.
- Stay hydrated: Drink enough water unless your doctor has advised you to restrict your fluid intake.
- Choose a balanced diet: Include vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and other nutritious foods to support your overall health.
- Keep moving gently: Low-impact activities and gentle stretching may help maintain joint movement, provided your doctor says exercise is suitable for you.
Special Advise
- Do not exceed the stated recommended dose.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Ankylosing spondylitis: It causes pain and stiffness in the spine. The pain usually starts in the lower back and can spread to the neck, damaged joints, or other body parts. Symptoms include decreased flexibility, which usually leads to hunched-forward posture and pain in the back and joints.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA): Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease in which the immune cells attack the joints and cause bone erosion, leading to severe pain and swelling. It may lead to joint deformity if left untreated.
FAQs
Phenylbutazone is used to treat ankylosing spondylitis and rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Phenylbutazone contains ‘Phenylbutazone’, which is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It is a COX-2 inhibitor. COX-2 enzyme produces prostaglandins that cause pain, swelling and inflammation.
Phenylbutazone is a pain reliever that helps in the relief of pain and inflammation associated with joint disorders. However, taking it without the advice of a doctor is not advised.
Phenylbutazone is not recommended for the longer term, especially in higher doses, as it increases the risk of heart attack and stroke.
When apixaban is used with phenylbutazone, the risk of bleeding increases, including severe and often deadly haemorrhage. If you have any questions or concerns, consult your doctor. Your doctor may be aware of the risks but has determined that this is the best course of therapy for you, has taken the necessary measures, and is closely monitoring you for any potential consequences.
In individuals with severe heart failure, Phenylbutazone should be avoided unless the benefits are believed to outweigh the risk of worsening heart failure. Patients with severe heart failure should be observed for signs of worsening heart failure if an NSAID is administered.
No. Because phenylbutazone carries a risk of serious side effects, it is generally reserved for selected severe inflammatory conditions when other suitable treatments have not provided enough relief. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about a more appropriate medicine for common aches and pains.
Phenylbutazone can cause serious changes in blood cells, including the cells that fight infection and help stop bleeding. Regular blood tests help your doctor detect these changes early.
Taking Phenylbutazone with or immediately after food may help reduce stomach irritation. Follow your doctor's instructions about how to take it.
Phenylbutazone may harm an unborn baby and is generally avoided during pregnancy, particularly later in pregnancy. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, or are planning a pregnancy.
Consult your doctor right away. Fever and sore throat can sometimes indicate a serious reduction in infection-fighting blood cells and may require a blood test.
Talk to your doctor before stopping or changing your treatment. Your doctor will tell you when to stop Phenylbutazone based on your condition, treatment duration, and response. Phenylbutazone does not generally require tapering because it does not cause the type of physical dependence seen with medicines such as corticosteroids, but you should still follow your prescribed treatment plan.
Phenylbutazone may cause dizziness or headache in some people. Do not drive or operate machinery if you feel dizzy or otherwise unable to do so safely.
Phenylbutazone may reduce the effect of some blood pressure medicines and can cause fluid retention or affect kidney function. Tell your doctor which medicines you take so they can decide whether additional monitoring is needed.
Phenylbutazone should be used for the shortest duration and at the lowest effective dose considered necessary by your doctor. Long-term or higher-dose use may increase the risk of serious side effects, including heart attack, stroke, gastrointestinal bleeding, and blood-related problems. Do not continue taking Phenylbutazone beyond the period prescribed by your doctor.
