etofenamate

Action and Spectrum

Actions and Spectrum: 

• Anti-Inflammatory Action: etofenamate inhibits the synthesis of prostaglandins, which are mediators of inflammation. By reducing prostaglandin production, etofenamate helps to alleviate inflammation and associated symptoms such as redness, swelling, and pain. 
• Analgesic Action: etofenamate has analgesic properties, meaning it can provide pain relief. Reducing inflammation at the application site can help reduce pain associated with conditions such as muscle strains, sprains, or minor injuries. 
• Antipyretic Action: etofenamate may also have a mild antipyretic effect, which can help lower fever when applied to the skin. However, it is generally not the primary choice for fever reduction, and other medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen are more commonly used. 

Spectrum: 

etofenamate is used topically for localized conditions, and its spectrum of activity is limited to the area where it is applied.  

etofenamate is typically indicated to relieve mild to moderate pain and inflammation associated with various musculoskeletal conditions, such as sprains, strains, sports injuries, and arthritis. It is not suitable for treating internal or systemic inflammatory conditions. 

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency not defined 

Diarrhea 

Headache 

GI discomfort 

Nausea 

Nervousness 

Tinnitus 

Vertigo 

Dizziness 

Depression 

Angioedema 

Bronchospasm 

Drowsiness 

Insomnia 

Fever 

Black Box Warning

Black Box Warning: 

None 

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication/Caution: 

Contraindications: 

• Hypersensitivity 
• Peptic ulcer 

Cautions: 

• Hemorrhage 
• Liver disorders 
• Eye disorders 
• Cardiac function 

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy consideration:  

It is contraindicated during pregnancy. 

Breastfeeding warnings:  

No data is available. 

Pregnancy category: 

• Category A: Satisfactory and well-controlled studies show no risk to the fetus in the first or later trimester. 
• Category B: No evidence of risk to the fetus is found in animal reproduction studies, and there are not enough studies on pregnant women. 
• Category C: Adverse effects on the fetus found with evidence in animal reproduction studies and no adequate evidence for a human product; Pregnant women must take care of the potential risks. 
• Category D: There is adequate data with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms. However, despite potential dangers may be used only in emergencies for potential benefits. 
• Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. The drug is not for pregnant women. 
• Category N: No data for the drug under this category is available. 

Pharmacology

Pharmacology: 

etofenamate exerts its pharmacological effects by inhibiting the synthesis of prostaglandins, which are inflammatory mediators derived from arachidonic acid. Prostaglandins are responsible for the inflammatory response, causing swelling, pain and redness at the site of injury or inflammation. By inhibiting prostaglandin production, etofenamate helps to reduce inflammation and relieve pain associated with various musculoskeletal conditions. 

Pharmacodynamics: 

etofenamate belongs to the NSAID class, known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Like other NSAIDs, etofenamate inhibits the enzyme cyclooxygenase (COX), specifically COX-1 and COX-2. These enzymes are responsible for producing prostaglandins, which are inflammatory mediators. By inhibiting COX, etofenamate reduces the production of prostaglandins, leading to decreased inflammation at the application site. This can help alleviate pain, redness, and swelling associated with musculoskeletal conditions. 

Pharmacokinetics: 

Absorption 

etofenamate is applied topically to the skin, usually as a gel or cream. After application, the drug is absorbed through the skin and enters the systemic circulation. Topical administration allows etofenamate to exert its effects locally at the application site, reducing the risk of systemic side effects compared to oral NSAIDs. 

Distribution 

Once absorbed into the bloodstream, etofenamate is distributed to various tissues and organs. Since it is applied topically, its distribution is primarily localized to the tissues around the application site.  

Metabolism 

etofenamate undergoes metabolism in the body, but specific details about its metabolic pathways and the identity of its primary metabolites have yet to be widely reported. Metabolism may occur primarily in the liver, similar to other NSAIDs. 

Elimination and Excretion 

The excretion route and the elimination half-life of etofenamate are not extensively studied or documented in the literature. As a topical NSAID, its systemic absorption is relatively low, and most of the drug is likely eliminated through the kidneys, mainly in metabolites. 

Adminstartion

Administration: 

Before applying etofenamate, wash your hands with soap and water to ensure that the affected area remains clean and avoid transferring contaminants to the skin. 

Squeeze a small amount of etofenamate gel or cream onto your fingertip or the affected area. Spread a thin layer evenly over the painful or inflamed area. Avoid using excessive amounts of the medication. 

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name:  etofenamate 

Pronounced: et-o-fen-aa-mate 

Why do we use etofenamate? 

etofenamate is used as a topical medication for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. It is applied directly to the skin to relieve pain and reduce inflammation associated with musculoskeletal conditions, such as muscle strains, sprains, sports injuries, and arthritis. Its localized application allows for targeted pain relief at the application site, potentially leading to fewer systemic side effects than oral NSAIDs.