Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: ARTHROTEC versus BUTAZOLIDIN.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: ARTHROTEC versus BUTAZOLIDIN.
ARTHROTEC vs BUTAZOLIDIN
Comparing the clinical profiles, pharmacokinetic behaviors, and safety indices of these two therapeutic agents.
Arthrotec is a combination of diclofenac, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that inhibits cyclooxygenase (COX-1 and COX-2) enzymes, reducing prostaglandin synthesis, and misoprostol, a synthetic prostaglandin E1 analog that protects the gastric mucosa by increasing mucus and bicarbonate secretion, enhancing mucosal blood flow, and promoting epithelial repair.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that inhibits cyclooxygenase (COX-1 and COX-2), thereby reducing prostaglandin synthesis. Also has uricosuric effect at higher doses.
One tablet (diclofenac 50 mg / misoprostol 200 mcg) orally twice daily with food.
Butazolidin (phenylbutazone) is typically administered orally at 100-200 mg 3 times daily with meals, not to exceed 600 mg/day. Initial loading dose of 400 mg may be given on day 1, followed by 300-400 mg/day in divided doses. Duration should be limited to 7-10 days.
None Documented
None Documented
Diclofenac: ~2 hours (range 1-4 h); misoprostol: 20-40 minutes (acid metabolite 1.5 h). No accumulation with repeated dosing.
Terminal half-life: 50-100 hours (prolonged in elderly or hepatic/renal impairment; accumulation risk evident within 5-7 days).
Renal: ~95% as metabolites (diclofenac: ~65% as glucuronide conjugates; misoprostol: ~80% as inactive metabolites). Biliary/fecal: <5%.
Primarily renal: ~60% as unchanged drug and glucuronide conjugates; biliary/fecal: ~40% (enterohepatic circulation).
Category C
Category C
NSAID
NSAID