Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: ARTHROTEC versus NAPROXEN SODIUM.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: ARTHROTEC versus NAPROXEN SODIUM.
ARTHROTEC vs NAPROXEN SODIUM
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.
Non-selective cyclooxygenase (COX-1 and COX-2) inhibitor, reducing prostaglandin synthesis.
One tablet (diclofenac 50 mg / misoprostol 200 mcg) orally twice daily with food.
220-550 mg orally twice daily; maximum 1375 mg/day.
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.
12–17 hours (terminal); allows twice-daily dosing; prolonged in elderly and renal impairment
Renal: ~95% as metabolites (diclofenac: ~65% as glucuronide conjugates; misoprostol: ~80% as inactive metabolites). Biliary/fecal: <5%.
Renal: 95% (as unchanged drug, conjugated naproxen, and 6-O-desmethyl naproxen); Fecal: <5%
Category C
Category D/X
NSAID
NSAID