What is Enantyum (dexketoprofen) used for? Indications and effects

An Anti-Inflammatory drug indicated to combat muscle pain.

The use of analgesic drugs is widespread.. Nolotil, Paracetamol, Ibuprofen, Voltaren or Aspirin are some of the most commonly used drugs, especially without prescription.

In recent years, another drug to treat pain has become popular: 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 for Enantyum, an anti-inflammatory and analgesic drug that is administered orally or in gel form and is 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 prostaglandinsprostaglandins, substances derived from fatty acids that play an important role in several biological processes: inflammation, secretion of gastric mucus, contraction of smooth muscles, regulation of body temperature and blood pressure. Prostaglandins also influence the sensation of pain, which is related to their inflammatory effect.

What are its effects?

Enantyum, like Aspirin, Ibuprofen and Voltaren (diclofenac), is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug ("NSAID").. NSAIDs relieve symptoms related to inflammation, pain and fever, so they are often used after undergoing surgery or receiving certain types of stings, for example.

In comparison, the steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs derived from cortisol and cortisone, which were more widely used 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 kidneys.

However these effects, especially digestive effects, can also occur when taking dexketoprofen and other NSAIDs because by inhibiting prostaglandins they not only reduce inflammation and pain, but also hinder the formation of gastric mucus, which protects the stomach from gastric acid.

Differences with other drugs

Compared to other painkillers such as Paracetamol or Ibuprofen, Enantyum can be considered more specific for muscular, joint, menstrual and dental pain.. Although it is also useful for other types of pain, its use is not as general as that of other drugs.

Enantyum is also more aggressive than other NSAIDs such as Ibuprofen, Aspirin or Voltaren; this means that its main side effects, those of a gastrointestinal nature, are superior to those of the other drugs mentioned.

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 can it be used for?

Taking Enantyum can be useful for a wide variety of pain of mild to moderate intensity, as long as it is under medical supervision. Some of the problems for which this medicine is used are listed below.

1. Muscular (myalgia)

The anti-inflammatory effect of dexketoprofen is effective in reducing the discomfort of muscles, such as those caused by strain, tension, muscle pain and pain.such as those caused by tension, injuries, blows or overload. These are problems that appear relatively frequently when maintaining a bad body posture, making an excessive effort, etc. In this case, dexketoprofen gel may be recommended.

2. Menstrual pain (dysmenorrhea)

Period pain can cause fatigue, anxiety, nausea and even fainting.. The treatment of menstrual pain is one of the most cited examples when talking about the benefits of Enantyum.

3. Of joints (arthralgia)

Knee pain, sprains, arthritis, tendinitis or bursitis are some examples of joint pain. are some examples of joint pain that can be relieved with this medicine. Similarly, in people who spend many hours sitting in an office environment on a daily basis, the wrists can also suffer and, although it is preferable to change habits, this medicine can alleviate the discomfort momentarily.

4. Headache (cephalea)

Dexketoprofen can be used to combat mild headaches and migraines associated with muscle tension.. Similarly, it is useful for relieving hangover symptoms.

5. Dental pains (odontalgias)

Among this type of pains, toothache is often cited as one of the problems for which taking Enantyum is most effective..

6. Back, lumbar and cervical pains

These pains can be caused by a variety of causes including muscle and joint problems and herniated discs. They are usually recurrent complaints, prone to come and go over several days, and it is preferable to act on posture and learned movements than to treat the problem with medication.

7. Stomach and intestines (gastralgia)

While Enantyum is useful for most pain, it should be noted that among the side effects that are most likely to occur are disturbances of the bowel and stomach, so it may worsen gastrointestinal discomfort in some people..

How to take this drug?

First of all it is worth mentioning that Enantyum should not be taken without a doctor's prescription.. It is very important to keep this in mind, even if we believe that the symptoms experienced are the same as those that appeared in the past in a case where 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 on the digestive system. It can also be purchased in drinkable or injectable ampoules.

When administered orallyThe recommended dose, either in tablets or dissolved in water, is 25 mg. Enantyum granulated (in sachets) can be taken in a somewhat higher dose. At most it should be taken once every 8 hours, i.e. 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 muscular pain.

Side effects

The most frequent side effects of this drug are stomach pain, digestive disorders (such as indigestion and diarrhea), nausea, vomiting and dizziness.. These effects occur in 1 to 10% of the people who take it, in the vast majority of cases they disappear when the drug is stopped.

Other less common side effects (between 0.1 and 1% of people) include dizziness, sleep disorders such as drowsiness and insomnia, tiredness, nervousness, headache, fever and chills, palpitations, constipation and gas.

Contraindications

Due to its potential harmful effects on the digestive, cardiovascular and respiratory systems, as well as the liver and kidneys, Enantyum or other NSAIDs are not recommended for people with 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 lactationdue to the risk of substances in unwanted amounts passing to the child and affecting his or her development at this delicate stage. In addition, they should also avoid using it those who are hypersensitive to NSAIDs (Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Voltaren, etc.).

Dexketoprofen should not be mixed with alcohol, other anti-inflammatory or analgesic drugs, anticoagulants, nor with other specific drugs such as lithium, metroxate, sulfamethoxazole or some drugs used to treat epilepsy.

Bibliographic references:

• Flórez, J. (2001). Human pharmacology. 4th ed. Editorial Masson-Salvat Medicina.
• Katzung, B. (2005). Basic and clinical pharmacology. El Manual Moderno, MEXICO DF o Santa Fe de Bogotá. 9th edition.