Drug Class: NSAID (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug) — Sustained-Release | Form: Sustained-Release Oral Capsule | Prescription Status: Prescription Only (Rx) — DRAP Registered
What is Inflamatix SR 200mg Capsule? Inflamatix SR 200mg contains Flurbiprofen 200mg in a sustained-release formulation — delivering a significantly higher anti-inflammatory dose than standard immediate-release Flurbiprofen with the additional advantage of controlled drug release throughout the day. The sustained-release mechanism releases Flurbiprofen gradually over 12 to 24 hours — maintaining consistent therapeutic blood levels that avoid the peaks and troughs of immediate-release tablets. This produces more stable and sustained anti-inflammatory coverage with reduced frequency of gastrointestinal side effects compared to equivalent immediate-release doses — making it specifically suited for patients with chronic inflammatory conditions requiring intensive and consistent round-the-clock anti-inflammatory management. The higher 200mg dose provides stronger COX inhibition for severe chronic arthritis and musculoskeletal conditions where lower doses provide insufficient symptom control.
What is Inflamatix SR 200mg Used For?
- Rheumatoid arthritis — severe active joint inflammation and swelling requiring intensive NSAID coverage (ریمیٹائیڈ گٹھیا)
- Osteoarthritis — moderate to severe joint pain and stiffness requiring strong sustained relief (جوڑوں کا شدید درد)
- Ankylosing spondylitis — chronic inflammatory spine and back stiffness and pain (ریڑھ کی ہڈی کی سوزش)
- Chronic back pain — persistent lower back pain with significant inflammatory component (دائمی کمر درد)
- Severe muscle sprains and strains — significant soft tissue injuries requiring stronger anti-inflammatory coverage (شدید پٹھوں کی چوٹ)
- Periarthritis — inflammation of tissues surrounding joints (جوڑوں کے گرد سوزش)
How Does it Work? Flurbiprofen inhibits both COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes — blocking prostaglandin synthesis at sites of inflammation to reduce pain receptor sensitisation, tissue swelling, and fever. At the higher 200mg dose this COX inhibition is more complete and potent than at 100mg — providing stronger and more sustained anti-inflammatory activity suitable for severe chronic conditions. The sustained-release mechanism releases Flurbiprofen in a controlled manner from the capsule matrix over 12 to 24 hours — maintaining therapeutic blood concentrations above the minimum anti-inflammatory threshold throughout the dosing interval without the high peak concentrations of immediate-release formulations that are associated with greater gastrointestinal irritation. This pharmacokinetic profile makes SR formulations particularly appropriate for chronic condition management where consistent 24-hour anti-inflammatory coverage is therapeutically essential.
Dosage and Administration
⚠️ Swallow capsule whole — never crush or chew the sustained-release capsule as this destroys the controlled-release mechanism. Always take with food. Never combine with other NSAIDs or Aspirin above 75mg. Use at the lowest effective dose for the shortest time necessary. Long-term use requires regular monitoring of kidney function, blood pressure, and gastrointestinal health.
| Indication | Usual Adult Dose | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rheumatoid arthritis | 200mg | Once or twice daily | With food — swallow whole |
| Osteoarthritis | 200mg | Once daily | Lowest effective dose |
| Ankylosing spondylitis | 200mg | Once or twice daily | Under rheumatologist supervision |
| Chronic back pain | 200mg | Once daily | Regular reassessment required |
| Severe musculoskeletal injuries | 200mg | Once daily | Short-term use preferred |
Active Ingredients
| Ingredient | Strength |
|---|---|
| Flurbiprofen | 200mg (Sustained-Release) |
Who Should NOT Take Inflamatix SR 200mg?
- Allergy to Flurbiprofen, Ibuprofen, Aspirin, or any other NSAID
- Active stomach ulcer or history of gastrointestinal bleeding or perforation
- Severe heart failure or established cardiovascular disease
- Severe kidney or liver impairment
- Third trimester of pregnancy — strictly contraindicated
- Aspirin-sensitive asthma or NSAID-induced bronchospasm
- Children and adolescents under 18 years
- Currently taking other NSAIDs or Aspirin above 75mg
- Inflammatory bowel disease — Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis
Side Effects
Common: Stomach discomfort, nausea, indigestion, heartburn, mild dizziness or headache — significantly reduced by SR formulation's gradual release profile and consistent administration with food.
Serious — Stop and seek emergency help immediately: Dark tarry stools or vomiting blood (پیٹ سے خون — فوری مدد لیں), severe upper abdominal pain suggesting ulcer perforation, yellowing of skin or eyes indicating liver toxicity (یرقان — فوری ہسپتال جائیں), chest pain or sudden breathlessness suggesting cardiovascular event (دل کا دورہ — فوری مدد لیں), significantly reduced urination indicating acute kidney injury (فوری ڈاکٹر کو بتائیں), sudden worsening of asthma or bronchospasm after taking capsule, severe allergic reaction with swelling of face or throat (فوری ہسپتال جائیں), severe skin blistering or peeling.
Drug Interactions
| Medicine | Interaction |
|---|---|
| Other NSAIDs or Aspirin above 75mg | Greatly increased gastrointestinal bleeding risk — never combine |
| Warfarin / blood thinners | Significantly increased bleeding risk — close INR monitoring required throughout treatment |
| Antihypertensives (ACE inhibitors, ARBs, diuretics) | Flurbiprofen reduces their effectiveness and raises blood pressure — monitor closely |
| Methotrexate | Flurbiprofen increases Methotrexate toxicity — potentially serious; avoid combination |
| Lithium | Flurbiprofen increases Lithium blood levels — toxicity risk; monitor closely |
| Corticosteroids (Prednisolone) | Increased risk of gastrointestinal ulceration and bleeding |
| SSRIs (Fluoxetine, Sertraline) | Increased gastrointestinal bleeding risk with NSAID combination |
| Cyclosporine | Increased kidney toxicity risk — monitor renal function |
| Sulphonylureas (antidiabetic) | Flurbiprofen may enhance hypoglycaemic effect — monitor blood glucose |
| Alcohol (شراب) | Increases gastrointestinal bleeding risk — avoid completely during treatment |
Storage: Store below 25°C in a cool, dry place. Protect from moisture and direct sunlight. Keep capsule in original packaging. Keep out of reach of children (بچوں کی پہنچ سے دور رکھیں). Do not use after expiry date.
FAQs
Q: What is the advantage of Inflamatix SR 200mg over regular Flurbiprofen 100mg tablets? The SR formulation delivers double the Flurbiprofen dose in a controlled manner over 12 to 24 hours — providing both stronger anti-inflammatory effect for severe chronic conditions and smoother sustained blood levels that avoid the sharp peaks of immediate-release tablets. This results in more consistent round-the-clock symptom control with potentially fewer gastrointestinal side effects than equivalent immediate-release dosing — making it clinically superior for chronic arthritis management.
Q: Can the Inflamatix SR capsule be opened and dissolved in water for easier swallowing? Never open, crush, or chew the sustained-release capsule — this completely destroys the controlled-release mechanism, releasing the full 200mg Flurbiprofen dose immediately. This sudden high-dose peak dramatically increases gastrointestinal irritation and side effect risk. If swallowing is difficult consult your doctor who may prescribe an alternative formulation or administration approach.
Q: How long can Inflamatix SR 200mg be used safely for chronic arthritis? Long-term NSAID use at the higher 200mg dose carries cumulative gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and renal risks that increase with duration. Regular medical review is essential — your rheumatologist should periodically reassess whether continued high-dose NSAID therapy remains the most appropriate management strategy. Kidney function, blood pressure, and gastrointestinal health should be monitored at regular intervals throughout long-term treatment.
Medical Disclaimer: This information is for general awareness only and does not replace medical advice. Always consult a qualified doctor or pharmacist before taking any prescription medicine.