Oxaprozin

Also indexed as:

Daypro

Oxaprozin is a member of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAIDs) family. NSAIDs reduce inflammation (swelling), pain, and temperature. Oxaprozin is used to treat osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Summary of Interactions for Oxaprozin

Copper

Supplementation may enhance the anti-inflammatory effects of NSAIDs while reducing their ulcerogenic effects. One study found that when various anti-inflammatory drugs were chelated with copper, the anti-inflammatory activity was increased.¹ Animal models of inflammation have found that the copper chelate of aspirin was active at one-eighth the effective dose of aspirin. These copper complexes are less toxic than the parent compounds, as well.

Iron

NSAIDs cause gastrointestinal (GI) irritation, bleeding, and iron loss.² Iron supplements can cause GI irritation.³ However, iron supplementation is sometimes needed in people taking NSAIDs if those drugs have caused enough blood loss to lead to iron deficiency. If both iron and oxaprozin are prescribed, they should be taken with food to reduce GI irritation and bleeding risk.

Lithium

Lithium is a mineral that may be present in some supplements and is also used in large amounts to treat mood disorders such as manic-depression (bipolar disorder). Most NSAIDs inhibit the excretion of lithium from the body, resulting in higher blood levels of the mineral, though sulindac may have an opposite effect.⁴ Since major changes in lithium blood levels can produce unwanted side effects or interfere with its efficacy, NSAIDs should be used with caution, and only under medical supervision, in people taking lithium supplements.

Potassium

NSAIDs have caused kidney dysfunction and increased blood potassium levels, especially in older people.⁵ People taking NSAIDs, including oxaprozin, should not supplement potassium without consulting with their doctor.

Sodium

Oxaprozin may cause sodium and water retention.⁶ It is healthful to reduce dietary salt intake by eliminating table salt and heavily salted foods.

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra)

The flavonoids found in the extract of licorice known as DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice) are helpful for avoiding the irritating actions NSAIDs have on the stomach and intestines. One study found that 350 mg of chewable DGL taken together with each dose of aspirin reduced gastrointestinal bleeding caused by the aspirin.⁷ DGL has been shown in controlled human research to be as effective as drug therapy (cimetidine) in healing stomach ulcers.⁸

White willow bark (Salix alba)

White willow bark contains salicin, which is related to aspirin. Both salicin and aspirin produce anti-inflammatory effects after they have been converted to salicylic acid in the body. The administration of salicylates like aspirin to individuals taking oral NSAIDs may result in reduced blood levels of NSAIDs.⁹ Though no studies have investigated interactions between white willow bark and NSAIDs, people taking NSAIDs should avoid the herb until more information is available.

Food

Oxaprozin should be taken with food to prevent gastrointestinal upset.¹⁰

Alcohol

Oxaprozin may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or blurred vision.¹¹ Alcohol may intensify these effects and increase the risk of accidental injury. Use of alcohol during oxaprozin therapy increases the risk of stomach irritation and bleeding. People taking oxaprozin should avoid alcohol.

1. Sorenson JRJ. Copper chelates as possible active forms of the antiarthritic agents. J Medicinal Chem 1976;19:135-48.
2. Bjarnason I, Macpherson AJ. Intestinal toxicity of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Pharmacol Ther 1994;62:145-57.
3. Threlkeld DS, ed. Blood Modifiers, Iron-Containing Products. In Facts and Comparisons Drug Information. St. Louis, MO: Facts and Comparisons, Jun 1998, 62-9a.
4. Olin BR, ed. Central Nervous System Drugs, Analgesics and Anti-inflammatory Drugs, Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Agents, In Drug Facts and Comparisons. St. Louis, MO: Facts and Comparisons, 1993, 1172-90.
5. Bailie GR. Acute renal failure. In Applied Therapeutics: The Clinical Use of Drugs, 6th ed. Vancouver, WA: Applied Therapeutics, 1995, 29-33.
6. Threlkeld DS, ed. Central Nervous System Drugs, Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Agents. In Facts and Comparisons Drug Information. St. Louis, MO: Facts and Comparisons, Mar 1993, 252g.
7. Rees WDW, Rhodes J, Wright JE, et al. Effect of deglycyrrhizinated liquorice on gastric mucosal damage by aspirin. Scand J Gastroenterol 1979;14:605-7.
8. Morgan AG, McAdam WAF, Pascoo C, Darnborough A. Comparison between cimetidine and Caved-S in the treatment of gastric ulceration, and subsequent maintenance therapy. Gut 1982;23:545-51.
9. Olin BR, ed. Central Nervous System Drugs, Analgesics and Anti-inflammatory Drugs, Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Agents, In Drug Facts and Comparisons. St. Louis, MO: Facts and Comparisons, 1993, 1172-90.
10. Threlkeld DS, ed. Central Nervous System Drugs, Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Agents. In Facts and Comparisons Drug Information. St. Louis, MO: Facts and Comparisons, Feb 1992, 252g.
11. Threlkeld DS, ed. Central Nervous System Drugs, Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Agents. In Facts and Comparisons Drug Information. St. Louis, MO: Facts and Comparisons, Feb 1992, 252g.

Last Review: 09-07-2006

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