Arthrotec 50mg/0.2mg

Arthrotec 50 tablets are a targeted choice in Pakistani rheumatology clinics, from Jinnah Hospital in Lahore to Aga Khan in Karachi, where doctors prescribe them for osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis patients prone to stomach ulcers from standard NSAIDs. The diclofenac cuts pain and inflammation, while misoprostol shields the gut lining—PMDC-approved for high-risk folks like the elderly or those with GI history, but strict on pregnancy checks due to abortion risks. A box of 2 strips (20x50mg diclofenac/200mcg misoprostol) from Pfizer runs PKR 500-700—check Dawaai.pk or Servaid for stock—pulled from ortho protocols, prescription locked for safety.

Basic Product Details

• Form and Strength: Tablets with diclofenac sodium 50 mg and misoprostol 200 mcg.
• Packaging: Box of 2 strips, each with 10 tablets.
• Pricing: PKR 500-700 per box, varies by brand—generics like Diclo-Miso cheaper.
• Brands in Pakistan: Arthrotec from Pfizer, or PMDC-approved equivalents from Getz or Hilton.

Ingredients

• Active Ingredients: Diclofenac sodium 50 mg, misoprostol 200 mcg.
• Excipients: Croscarmellose sodium, microcrystalline cellulose, hydrogenated castor oil—swallow whole.

Drug Class

Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID) with Prostaglandin E1 Analog.

How It Functions

Diclofenac blocks COX enzymes to curb prostaglandin production, easing pain, swelling, and fever; misoprostol mimics prostaglandins to boost mucus and bicarbonate for gut protection. In Pakistan’s high-arthritis burden, it’s for those where plain diclofenac risks bleeds, but docs start low for tolerance.

Common Applications

Local rheum guidelines target:

• Osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis signs/symptoms.
• High-risk patients for NSAID-induced gastric/duodenal ulcers.

Dosage Form

Tablets taken orally 2-3 times daily with food; max 150 mg diclofenac/day.

Potential Side Effects

Common: Abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, indigestion.

Serious from reports: GI bleed/ulcer/perforation, heart attack/stroke, anemia. ER for black stools, chest pain, or severe cramps.

Key Warnings and Precautions

PMDC flags:

• Pregnancy: Causes abortion or defects—negative test required; contraception mandatory for women.
• GI: Watch for bleeding in elderly or ulcer history.
• Heart/Kidney: Avoid in failure; monitor BP.
• Anemia: Routine CBC checks.

Shortest course; taper if long-term.

When It’s Not Suitable (Contraindications)

Skip if:

• Hypersensitive to diclofenac, misoprostol, or prostaglandins.
• Active GI bleed/ulcer.
• Pregnancy or planning.

Drug Interactions

Alert doc:

• ACE inhibitors—BP drop.
• Aspirin—bleed risk up.
• Digoxin, warfarin—toxicity.
• Methotrexate, cyclosporine—levels spike.
• Lithium—retention.
• Antacids, diuretics—effect change.

In Case of Overdose

GI upset, low BP, seizures—hospital for support.

Missed Dose

Take soon unless near next; skip, no double.

Storage and Disposal

Room temp (15-30°C), dry, away from light/kids. Pharmacy return unused.

Quick Tips

• With meals for gut ease.
• Women: Pregnancy test pre-start.
• Report stomach pain early.

Doctor Review

Rheumatologists at places like Shaukat Khanum or PIMS use Arthrotec for OA/RA in ulcer-prone patients over plain NSAIDs, dosing 50mg BID with PPI backup if needed, but strict contraception counseling given misoprostol’s abortifacient in desi family contexts—test for H. pylori first.

Laboratory Screening

Monitor:

• CBC for anemia/bleeding, LFTs, renal function.
• BP regularly.

This outlines Arthrotec’s joint-gut balance in Pakistan—risk-weighed facts, rheum doc decides.

Disclaimer: This is product information only, not a prescription or diagnosis. Consult a qualified Pakistani doctor before using Arthrotec 50 tablets to ensure it’s safe. Seek immediate care for severe symptoms like stomach pain, bleeding, or chest pressure.