Anapran EC – when to use, dosage, contraindications, side effects, price, substitutes

Proven content

Anapran EC Naproxenum is an anti-inflammatory drug that is available on prescription. It contains the active substance naproxen, which belongs to the group of NSAIDs, i.e. non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. In general, the preparation is used to reduce pain and inflammation in joints or muscles. However, there are contraindications to its use. Therefore, we check how Anapran EC works and what is the cost of the drug.

Anapran EC – how does it work?

Anapran EC has an anti-inflammatory effect thanks to the composition of naproxen, the main purpose of which is to reduce the pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis. Due to the strong effect of naproxen on the body, there are a number of contraindications to the use of the drug, which should be taken according to the doctor’s recommendations or the information provided on the Anapran EC leaflet.

Anapran EC – when should it be used?

Anapran EC is used to reduce pain and inflammation in joints and muscles. It is also indicated for the symptomatic treatment of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, musculoskeletal disorders (such as sprains) and dysmenorrhea in adults over the age of sixteen.

Anapran EC – composition

In addition to the active substance – naproxen – Anapran EC contains Povidone K 90, croscarmellose sodium and magnesium stearate which are the core of the tablet, and its coating is:

1. Methacrylic acid and ethyl acrylate copolymer; 
2. Triethyl Citrate; 
3. Talk; 
4. Simethicone emulsion. 

Anapran EC – dosage

Anapran EC should be taken with or just after a meal and washed down with plenty of water. Do not chew or break the tablets, because they have a special cover that allows the active substance – naproxen, to reach the intestines.

The recommended doses depend on the symptoms of the disease which are intended to alleviate. For rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spine disease, and osteoarthritis, the recommended dose ranges from 500 to 1000 mg per 24 hours. The total dose is divided into two, taken every 12 hours at the same time.

In the case of pain at night and morning stiffness or in patients previously using other antirheumatic drugs, the recommended dose is 750 to 1000 mg per 24 hours, especially during the acute phase of the disease.

Musculoskeletal disorders or dysmenorrhea are symptoms in the dose reduction group from the first day, i.e. 500 mg once on the first day, then every 6 or 8 hours, 250 mg, and over the following days stabilization of a single dose at the level of 250 mg. The maximum daily dose is 1250 mg.

If you have taken a double dose of Anapran EC, you should see your doctor. If a patient misses one dose of the drug, he should not take a double dose, but continue the prescribed schedule.

Anapran EC – warnings for the elderly

In the elderly, the concentration of the active substance of Anapran EC – naproxen – is increased. Therefore, elderly patients should take the lowest permitted dose. In addition, due to the fact that side effects are much more common in them, the health of the elderly should be monitored by a doctor much more often.

Anapran EC – recommended precautions

In case of problems with the stomach, liver, kidneys, heart, ulceration, intestines or bleeding, special precautions should be taken while taking Anapran EC. In addition, the doctor should be informed about:

1. Asthma; 
2. Allergies; 
3. Hyperlipidemia; 
4. An autoimmune disease (e.g., Crohn’s disease). 

Anapran EC – contraindications

The main contraindication to taking Anapran EC is allergy to naproxen, acetylsalicylic acid, NSAIDs or any of the ingredients of the drug.

Anapran EC must not be taken in the last trimester of pregnancy. In patients with a disturbed creatinine marker and a large kidney problem, the drug should not be used, because it may lead to the accumulation of metabolites, and thus intensification of renal symptoms.

In addition, Anapran EC cannot be taken by people who have polyps in the nose, chronic runny nose or stuffy nose. Hay fever is also a contraindication to the use of the drug. If a patient who has already taken non-steroidal drugs has bleeding or ulceration in the intestines, please inform your doctor.

Anapran EC – side effects

Side effects such as vomiting, nausea, constipation, dizziness, headaches and light-headedness, drowsiness, swelling of the hands, feet or legs, malaise may occur during the use of ANAPRA EC. Changes in blood pressure or heart rate, palpitations, memory impairment, difficulty concentrating, feeling depressed and sleep disturbances have been reported in a small number of patients. Such disorders can cause problems with psychomotor skills, which may translate into the possibility of driving a motor vehicle.

Few people have problems with anemia, inflammation of blood vessels (with symptoms like fever, feeling unwell and swelling), cheek or tongue ulcers. The result of disorders caused by the preparation may be gastrointestinal bleeding and significant intestinal problems. Metabolized naproxen prolongs platelet aggregation, which prolongs bleeding time, reducing the regenerative capacity of the liver, therefore patients taking Naproxen EC should take into account possible hepatic reactions.

Any symptom resembling jaundice or hepatitis should be reported to the treating physician as cross-reactions, including cases resulting in death, have been observed.

Anapran EC – interactions with other drugs

Anapran EC may interact with other medications, so we must inform your doctor if you are taking:

1. Pain medications (e.g., Ibuprofen); 
2. Acetysalicylic acid; 
3. Warfarin; 
4. Anti-epileptic drugs; 
5. Sulfonamidy; 
6. Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors; 
7. Angiotensin II receptor antagonists; 
8. Diuretic drugs; 
9. Cardiac glycosides; 
10. probenecyd; 
11. Methotrexate; 
12. Cyclosporine; 
13. Zidovudine; 
14. Mifepryston; 
15. Medicines to treat mental disorders (e.g. lithium salts). 

Anapran EC – symptoms of drug overdose

Symptoms of Anapran EC overdose include:

1. Headache; 
2. Heartburn; 
3. Vomiting; 
4. Ból nadzzuszny; 
5. Somnolence; 
6. Tinnitus; 
7. Confusion. 

A significant overdose of Anapran EC may be associated with acute renal failure and liver damage. Treatment is to administer activated charcoal to the patient within one hour of the overdose. In extreme cases, gastric lavage is performed.

1. Symptoms of ethyl alcohol poisoning

Anapran EC – can it be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

It is forbidden to take Anapran EC in the last trimester of pregnancy. In addition, if the patient suspects that he is pregnant, is breastfeeding a child or is planning a pregnancy, consult a doctor about what pharmacotherapy should look like. In addition, Naproxen EC may make it difficult to get pregnant.

Taking naproxin during labor is also not recommended, as it can disturb the baby’s nervous system and increases the risk of bleeding in both mother and baby.

1. Bleeding from the reproductive organ – causes

How to store Anapran EC?

ANAPRAN EC should be kept in a place where children cannot reach. After the expiry date, do not take it. It is best to ask the pharmacist about the disposal of expired drugs.

Anapran EC – price and availability

The preparation is sold in the form of tablets containing 250 or 500 mg of the active ingredient each. There are usually 20 or 60 pieces in the package. The price of 60 tablets ranges from PLN 11 to PLN 19, depending on the amount due.

Anapran EC – substitutes

It should be remembered that other drugs in the same form and international name (naproxen) do not have to be substitutes, because the content of the active substance (i.e. the dose of the drug) is also important. The decision to change the drug should be made after medical consultation.

Other preparations containing naproxen include:

1. Apo-Napro (prescription, refunded),  
2. Naproxen (over the counter),  
3. Naproxen Hasco (prescription, refunded).