Betacare 20mg

Description

Betacare 20mg Tablets contain piroxicam-beta-cyclodextrin, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used in Pakistan to relieve pain and inflammation from conditions like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. The beta-cyclodextrin complex enhances piroxicam’s absorption, offering faster relief for joint pain, menstrual cramps, or post-operative discomfort, common among workers in rural Punjab or urban Karachi. Produced by CSH Pharmaceuticals, it’s available in packs of 20 tablets (2×10), priced around Rs. 117-130, prescription-only, and distributed through DRAP-registered pharmacies.

How It Functions

Piroxicam inhibits cyclooxygenase (COX-1 and COX-2) enzymes, reducing prostaglandin synthesis that causes pain and inflammation. The beta-cyclodextrin complex improves solubility and absorption, speeding onset. Chemically, piroxicam is 4-hydroxy-2-methyl-N-(pyridin-2-yl)-2H-1,2-benzothiazine-3-carboxamide 1,1-dioxide. Analgesia starts within 30-60 minutes, with anti-inflammatory effects building over days, lasting 24 hours due to a 50-hour half-life.

Dosage Information

Adults: Typically 20mg once daily, taken orally with or without food; swallow whole with water. For acute conditions (e.g., dysmenorrhea, post-operative pain), 40mg on day 1, then 20mg daily for up to 7-10 days. For chronic conditions like arthritis, 10-20mg daily long-term. Not for children under 12. Elderly or kidney/liver patients use lowest dose (10mg). Monitor for side effects; consult physician for adjustments or if used beyond 10 days.

Side Effects

• Very Common (>1 in 10): Gastrointestinal upset (nausea, stomach pain, indigestion).
• Common (up to 1 in 10): Skin rash, edema (swelling), malaise, headache, dizziness, tinnitus (ringing in ears).
• Rare: Severe gastrointestinal bleeding, allergic reactions (hives, swelling), liver enzyme elevation, visual disturbances.

Drug Interactions

Piroxicam may interact with:

• Other NSAIDs or aspirin: Increases bleeding/ulcer risk.
• Anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin): Enhances bleeding.
• Diuretics, ACE inhibitors, ARBs: Reduces kidney function or blood pressure control.
• Lithium, methotrexate: Increases toxicity.
• Corticosteroids: Heightens gastrointestinal complications.

Indications

Approved for managing pain and inflammation in:

• Osteoarthritis.
• Rheumatoid arthritis.
• Ankylosing spondylitis.
• Dysmenorrhea (menstrual cramps).
• Toothache.
• Migraine.
• Post-operative pain.
• Traumatic pain.

When Not to Use

Avoid in:

• Hypersensitivity to piroxicam, aspirin, or other NSAIDs.
• Active or recurrent peptic ulcers.
• Severe heart, liver, or kidney failure.
• Third trimester pregnancy.
• Phenylketonuria (due to beta-cyclodextrin).

Precautions

• Monitor for gastrointestinal bleeding; take with food to reduce stomach irritation.
• Use cautiously in elderly, heart failure, kidney/liver impairment, or asthma patients.
• Check weight weekly; report rapid gain (3-5 lbs/week) or swelling.
• Avoid alcohol; increases ulcer risk, common in Pakistani social settings.
• Buy from DRAP-registered pharmacies; check holograms to avoid counterfeits.
• Limit use to shortest duration to minimize risks.

Warnings

• Gastrointestinal risk: May cause bleeding, ulcers, or perforation; stop if blood in stool or severe pain occurs.
• Cardiovascular risk: Increases heart attack or stroke chance, especially in long-term use or heart patients.
• Kidney/liver damage: Monitor function tests, especially in hot climates or fasting.
• Pregnancy: Avoid in third trimester; consult physician for earlier use.
• Overdose: Symptoms like nausea, drowsiness, or vomiting need urgent care.

Additional Notes

• Pregnancy Category: Consult physician; category C early, D in third trimester due to fetal risks.
• Breastfeeding: Unknown effects; avoid or consult physician.
• Availability: Common in urban and rural pharmacies; generics like Brexin available.
• Stability: Stable at room temperature; discard expired tablets.
• Reporting: Log batch for side effects; report to DRAP for quality control.

Doctor Review

Dr. Yasir Mehmood, a rheumatologist in Lahore, notes Betacare’s fast-acting relief for arthritis and menstrual pain, suitable for Pakistan’s active workforce. DRAP data supports its enhanced absorption, but Dr. Mehmood advises short-term use and gastrointestinal monitoring to avoid ulcers, especially in spicy-diet regions.

Disclaimer

This is general product information, not a prescription or medical advice. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for personal guidance.