niflumic acid

Action and Spectrum

Actions and Spectrum: 

Actions: 

One fenamate non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAID) with anti-inflammatory and antipyretic properties is nifummic acid. Niflumic acid functions as an inverse agonist at NMDA receptors and inhibits GABA-A receptors, Cl-channels, T-type Ca2+ channels, and COX-2. In vitro, niflumic acid suppresses the activation of NF-κB and iNOS production caused by IL-1β and TNF-α while also indirectly activating AMPK. 

Spectrum: 

Short-term management of acute pain symptoms brought on by peri arthritis or joint disease Therapy for chronic conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis and degenerative arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis results in discomfort and incapacity. Encourage the use of antibiotics in the management of nose, ear, and throat conditions. It should be mentioned because there’s a chance of infection spreading after usage. Treat some conditions like spondylosis and gout to assist in the management of sinusitis and tonsillitis.

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency not defined 

Pulmonary eosinophilia 

Neutropenia 

GI disturbances 

Alveolitis 

Renal/hepatic disorders 

CNS disturbances 

Pancreatitis 

Exacerbation of colitis 

Stevens-Johnson syndrome 

Fluid retention 

Agranulocytosis 

Hypersensivity reactions 

Cutaneous reactions 

Photosensitivity 

Black Box Warning

If skin reactions related to hypersensitivity occur, nifummic acid should be stopped.

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication/Caution: 

Contraindications 

• Hypersensitivity 
• Severe Heart failure 
• Active peptic ulceration 

Cautions 

• Renal impairment 
• Hepatic impairment 
• Drug interactions 
• Pregnancy  
• Breastfeeding 
• Geriatrics 
• HTN 
• Hemorrhagic disorder 
• Impaired cardiac function 
• LV dysfunction (CVS) 
• CHF 
• Infections 
• Edema 
• Asthma 

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy consideration:  

No data is available regarding the administration of the drug during pregnancy. 

Breastfeeding warnings:  

No data is available regarding the excretion of drug in breast milk. 

Pregnancy category: 

Category A: well-controlled and satisfactory studies show no risk to the fetus in the first or later trimester. 

Category B: there was no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal studies, and there were not enough studies on pregnant women. 

Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women.    

Category D: adequate data with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits.    

Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women.    

Category N: No data is available for the drug under this category.

Pharmacology

Pharmacology: 

One medication used to treat muscle and joint pain is nifummic acid. It is categorized as a cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor. It is used to inhibit channels that carry chlorine in experimental biology. Additionally, it has been documented to inhibit T-type calcium channels and effect on NMDA and GABA-A channels. 

Pharmacodynamics: 

Niflumic acid is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAID) that is used to treat joint and muscular discomfort, as well as rheumatoid arthritis. It is thought that the specific inhibition of cycloxygenases-2, which produces analgesic, antipyretic,  and anti-inflammatory actions, is the basis of its mechanism of action.

Apart from its effects on prostaglandin formation, studies have demonstrated that it functions as a negative modulator on GABAA receptors α6β2 and α6β2η2 (as well as α1β2) and a positive allosteric modulator on α1β2η2. Furthermore, it was observed that T-type calcium channels were inhibited by niflumic acid. 

Pharmacokinetics: 

Absorption 

Well absorbed 

Distribution 

Protein-bound is 90% 

Metabolism 

Hepatic 

Elimination and Excretion 

The half-life is 2.5 hours 

Adminstartion

Administration: 

Administration of niflumic acid usually involves oral intake, with the medication being consumed in the form of tablets or capsules. The recommended dosage and frequency of administration depend on the particular medical condition being addressed, and these details are established in accordance with the guidance of healthcare providers.

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: niflumic acid 

Pronounced: nye-FLOO-mik AC-id 

Why do we use niflumic acid? 

Niflumic acid, classified as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) belonging to the fenamate derivatives, is primarily employed for its anti-inflammatory, analgesic (pain-relieving), and antipyretic (fever-reducing) properties. Its application spans several critical areas of medical treatment. In the realm of pain relief, niflumic acid is commonly prescribed to alleviate discomfort associated with inflammation, including conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and musculoskeletal disorders. 

The drug’s efficacy extends to the management of various inflammatory conditions, proving valuable in the treatment of arthritis and other inflammatory disorders. Additionally, niflumic acid serves as a practical option for reducing fever, addressing symptoms in conditions where elevated body temperature is a prominent feature.

Its versatility is further demonstrated by its potential use in treating different inflammatory disorders affecting various parts of the body, a decision guided by the healthcare provider’s specific recommendations. Individuals must use niflumic acid under the supervision and prescription of qualified healthcare professionals, considering potential side effects and individual health factors.