Is Orthostar affective in gout management?

Is Orthostar a NSAID?

Yes. Orthostar is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).

Can Orthostar be used in hypertension?

No. Orthostar is not a medication to control hypertension. It is important to note that Orthostar decreases the effectiveness of the antihypertensive medication when given together. Inform your doctor if you are taking antihypertensive medications before starting Orthostar.

Is Orthostar a narcotic?

No. Orthostar is not a narcotic. It is a pain killer which acts on COX (cyclooxygenase -an enzyme responsible for inflammation and pain) enzyme to decrease the pain and inflammation.

What are the serious side effects of Orthostar?

GI discomfort and, rarely, serious GI side effects, such as ulcers and bleeding, serious skin side effects such as exfoliative, Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS), and toxic epidermal necrolysis, liver failure, renal damage.

Who should not take a Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID)/ Orthostar?

Patients who had an asthma attack, hives, or other allergic reaction with aspirin or any other NSAID medicine or for pain right before or after heart bypass surgery.

What increases the chances of getting a gastric ulcer when I am already taking Orthostar?

The chances of gastric ulceration increases if you take medicines like corticosteroids and anticoagulants. Long term use, alcohol, smoking and old age are few other factors which can increase the chances of ulceration.

Can Orthostar be used with diuretics?

No. Orthostar should not be used with diuretics. Orthostar reduces the natriuretic effect of furosemide and thiazides diuretics in some patients. This response has been attributed to inhibition of renal prostaglandin synthesis.

Can I use Orthostar if I have asthma?

Some patients with asthma are hypersensitive to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) drugs like aspirin which can lead to acute attacks of asthma. Consult your doctor before starting this medication.

Can I use Orthostar if I have peptic ulcer disease?

No. Orthostar is contraindicated in cases of active peptic ulcer disease. Orthostar is known to cause gastric ulceration and bleeding.

What is the difference between Orthostar and tramadol?

Orthostar is a COX (cyclooxygenase -an enzyme responsible for inflammation and pain) whereas Tramadol is a narcotic-like painkiller. Tramadol is a habit forming medicine.

What is the difference between Orthostar and nimesulide?

Both Orthostar and nimesulide are pain killers. However, Orthostar is a non-selective COX (cyclooxygenase -an enzyme responsible for inflammation and pain) inhibitor whereas nimesulide is selective to the COX-2 enzyme. This selectivity of nimesulide is supposed to decrease the side effects as compared to piroxicam. It should not be used in children below 12 years of age.

Is Orthostar a muscle relaxant?

No. Orthostar is not a muscle relaxant. It is a pain killer which acts on COX (cyclooxygenase -an enzyme responsible for inflammation and pain) enzyme.

Can you donate blood when on the medication with Orthostar?

Yes. You can donate blood when on Orthostar. Do inform your doctor before donating blood.

Can Orthostar be used to treat menstrual cramp?

Orthostar is not approved for the treatment of menstrual cramps. Research studies have shown that piroxicam is quite effective in significantly decreasing the menstrual cramps.

Can you get high by using Orthostar?

No. Orthostar is not known to cause high. It is a non-narcotic painkiller.

What are the contraindications for Orthostar?

Contraindications to piroxicam are an allergy, bleeding tendency, duodenal/gastric/peptic ulcer, stomatitis, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), ulcerative colitis, upper GI disease, late pregnancy, cardiac disease, hepatic impairment, renal impairment.

Why is beta cyclodextrin added to Orthostar?

Yes. Orthostar can be combined with beta-cyclodextrin. Research has shown that combining Orthostar with beta-cyclodextrin leads to faster onset of action of piroxicam and reduced gastric side effects.

Can I use Orthostar for a migraine?

Orthostar is not approved for the treatment of migraine. Research studies have shown that Orthostar is effective in significantly decreasing the pain associated with migraine without aura.