What is the use of Enantyum (dexketoprofen)? Indications and effects
The consumption of analgesic drugs is greatly extended . Nolotil, Paracetamol, Ibuprofen, Voltarén or Aspirin are some of the most used drugs, especially without a prescription.
In recent years, another medicine has been popularized to treat pain: dexketoprofen or Enantyum. In this article we will explain what Enantyum is for and how it differs from other analgesics.
What is Enantyum (dexketoprofen)?
"Dexketoprofen" is the generic name of Enantyum, an anti-inflammatory and analgesic drug that is administered orally or in gel format and used to treat headache, menstrual pain and muscle inflammation, among other problems. It is also marketed under other names, such as "Stadium" and "Keral" in Mexico or "Ketesgel" in Spain.
Dexketoprofen inhibits the synthesis of prostaglandins , substances derived from fatty acids that have a relevant role in various biological processes: inflammation, secretion of gastric mucus, contraction of smooth muscles, regulation of body temperature and blood pressure. Also, prostaglandins influence the sensation of pain, which is related to its inflammatory effect.
What effects does it have?
The Enantyum, such as Aspirin, Ibuprofen and Voltarén (diclofenac), is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug ("NSAID") . NSAIDs relieve symptoms related to inflammation, pain and fever, so they are frequently used after going through the operating room or receiving certain types of bites, for example.
In comparison, the steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs derived from cortisol and cortisone, which were used more than a few decades ago, seem to have more serious side effects if taken for a long time, especially for the stomach, intestine, liver, heart and blood vessels. kidneys
However, these effects, especially digestive, can also occur when taking dexketoprofen and other NSAIDs because inhibiting prostaglandins not only reduce inflammation and pain, but also hinder the formation of gastric mucus, which protects the stomach from gastric acid .
Differences with other medications
In comparison with other analgesics such as Paracetamol or Ibuprofen, Enantyum can be considered more specific for muscular, articular, menstrual and dental pains . While it is also useful for other types of pain, its use is not as general as that of other medications.
Also, Enantyum is more aggressive than other NSAIDs such as Ibuprofen, Aspirin or Voltarén; This means that its main side effects, those of a gastrointestinal nature, are superior to those of the other mentioned drugs.
The aspect in which dexketoprofen is superior is that it acts faster than other analgesics. However, its effect has a shorter duration.
What types of pain do you use?
Consuming Enantyum can be useful for a wide variety of pain of mild or moderate intensity, provided it is under medical supervision. Here are some of the problems for which this medication is used.
1. Muscular (myalgia)
The anti-inflammatory effect of dexketoprofen It is effective to reduce the discomfort of the muscles , such as those caused by tension, injury, shock or overload. These are problems that appear with relative frequency when maintaining a bad body posture, making an excessive effort, etc. In this case, dexketoprofen gel may be recommended.
2. Menstrual (dysmenorrhea)
The pain of the rule can lead to fatigue, anxiety, nausea and even fainting . The treatment of menstrual pain is one of the most cited examples when talking about the utilities of Enantyum.
3. Joint (arthralgia)
Knee pain, sprains, arthritis, tendonitis or bursitis are some examples of joint pain that can be alleviated with this medication. Similarly, in people who spend many hours sitting in an office environment in their day-to-day lives, wrists can also become resentful and, although it is preferable to change habits, this medication can alleviate the discomfort momentarily.
4. Head (headache)
Dexketoprofen can be used to combat mild headaches and migraines associated with muscle tension . Similarly, it is useful to relieve the symptoms of hangover.
- Related article: "The 7 types of migraine (causes and characteristics)"
5. Dental pains (toothache)
Among this type of pain, that of teeth is often cited as one of the problems for which it is more effective to take Enantyum .
6. Back, lumbar and cervical pain
These pains can be caused by various causes, including problems in the muscles and joints and herniated discs. They tend to be recurrent discomfort, prone to appear and disappear over several days, and it is preferable to act on the posture and movements learned to address the problem with medication.
7. Stomach and intestines (gastralgia)
While Enantyum is useful for most pains, keep in mind that among the side effects that are most likely to occur are disturbances of the intestine and stomach, so it may worsen some people's gastrointestinal discomfort .
How to take this drug?
First of all it is worth mentioning that Enantyum should not be consumed without a prescription . It is very important to keep this in mind, even if we believe that the symptoms experienced are the same as those that occurred in the past in a case in which the doctor prescribed this product.
There are several ways to take this medication. The most common is in the form of oral tablets, preferably with water and together with meals to reduce the risk of side effects in the digestive system. It can also be purchased in drinkable or injectable ampoules.
When administered orally , whether in tablets or dissolved in water, the recommended dose is 25 mg. The granulated Enantyum (in sachets) can be consumed in a somewhat larger dose. At most it should be taken once every 8 hours, that is, no more than three doses per day.
Enantyum gel, which is marketed in Spain as "Ketesgel", is applied directly to the part of the body where the pain is felt. It is normally used for muscle aches.
Side effects
The most common side effects of this medication are stomach pain, digestive disorders (such as indigestion and diarrhea), nausea, vomiting and dizziness . These effects occur in 1 to 10% of people who take it, in the vast majority of cases they disappear when they stop using the medication.
Other less common side effects (between 0.1 and 1% of people) include feeling of vertigo, sleep disturbances such as drowsiness and insomnia, fatigue, nerves, headache, fever and chills, palpitations, constipation and gas.
Contraindications
Due to its potential harmful effects for the digestive, cardiovascular and respiratory systems, as well as for the liver and kidneys, it is not recommended to take Enantyum or other NSAIDs to people who have diseases related to these organs, such as heart, kidney or liver failure , asthma, gastrointestinal ulcer or Crohn's disease.
Enantyum is also contraindicated during pregnancy and lactation , due to the risk that substances in unwanted quantities pass to the child and affect their development at this delicate stage. In addition, they should also avoid using it those people who have hypersensitivity to NSAIDs (Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Voltarén, etc.).
Dexketoprofen should not be mixed with alcohol, other anti-inflammatories or analgesics, anticoagulants, or with other specific drugs such as lithium, methotrexate, sulfamethoxazole or some medications used to treat epilepsy.
Bibliographic references:
- Flórez, J. (2001). Human pharmacology 4th edition , Editorial Masson-Salvat Medicine.
- Katzung, B. (2005). Basic and clinical pharmacology. The Modern Manual, MEXICO DF or Santa Fe de Bogotá. 9th edition.
