Klipal is nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug used to relieve the inflammation, swelling, stiffness, and joint pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis (the most common form of arthritis), and ankylosing spondylitis (arthritis and stiffness of the spine). It is also prescribed for immediate relief of pain and menstrual discomfort.
Dosage & Administration
Osteoarthritis
The usual dose for adults is 100 to 150 mg a day, divided into smaller doses of 50 milligrams 2 or 3 times a day.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
The usual dose for adults is 100 to 200 mg a day, divided into smaller doses of 50 milligrams 3 to 4 times a day. People with rheumatoid arthritis should not take more than 225 milligrams a day.
Ankylosing Spondylitis
The usual dose for adults is 100 to 125 mg of Klipal a day, divided into smaller doses of 25 milligrams 4 times a day, with another 25 milligrams at bedtime if necessary.
Pain and menstrual discomfort
The usual starting dose for adults of Klipal is 50 milligrams every 8 hours as needed, although to provide better relief on the first day doctors sometimes prescribe a starting dose of 100 milligrams followed by two 50-milligram doses. After the first day, you should not take more than 150 milligrams in a day.
The safety and effectiveness of Klipal have not been established in children.
Special precautions
Remember that Klipal has been known to cause peptic ulcers and bleeding. Contact your doctor immediately if you suspect a problem.
Use Klipal cautiously if you have kidney problems, heart disease, or high blood pressure. It can cause fluid retention.
This medication can also cause liver problems. If you develop signs of liver disease such as nausea, fatigue, lethargy, itching, yellowish eyes and skin, tenderness in the upper right area of your abdomen, or flu-like symptoms, notify your doctor at once.
Rare cases of meningitis (inflammation of the membrane enclosing the brain) have been linked to Klipal. If symptoms such as fever and coma develop, alert the doctor immediately.
In rare instances, Klipal may also affect your vision. If you notice any problems, stop taking the drug and check with your doctor.
Contraindications
Klipal taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Klipal with the following:
- Aspirin
- Blood thinners such as Coumadin
- Cyclosporine (Sandimmune)
- Digitalis drugs such as Lanoxin
- Diuretics such as Dyazide, Midamor, and Lasix
- Insulin or oral antidiabetes medications such as Micronase
- Lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid)
- Methotrexate
- Phenobarbital
Do not take Klipal late in your pregnancy, it could harm the baby. Check with your doctor before taking the drug early in pregnancy, it should be used only if necessary. The drug does appear in breast milk and could affect a nursing infant.
Side effects
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
Abdominal bleeding, abdominal pain or cramps, abdominal swelling, anemia, blood clotting problems, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, fluid retention, gas, headache, heartburn, indigestion, itching, nausea, peptic ulcers, rash, ringing in the ears, vomiting.
Symptoms of overdose
Diarrhea, increased sweating, loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting, stomach cramps or pain, swelling, pain or tenderness in the upper abdomen or stomach area.
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory.
Do not let anyone else take your medication.
