Dexak – properties, contraindications, dosage of tablets, leaflet

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Dexak are coated tablets with an analgesic effect, recommended for relieving pain of various origins. The drug is indicated for mild to moderate pain, e.g. in the case of muscle and tooth aches or painful menstruation. The active substance of Dexak is classified as non-steroidal inflammatory drugs dexketoprofen. Dexak is available without a prescription, but there are contraindications to its use. The dosage recommendations should also be followed.

Dexak – properties

Dexak is used to treat pain. The properties of the preparation are based on the action of the active substance it is dexketoprofen. This substance prevents the synthesis of prostaglandins, which are involved in the development of inflammation. Due to the fact that dexketoprofen belongs to the NSAID group, the preparation has anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic properties. Dexak is quickly absorbed into the gastrointestinal tract. Already 30 minutes after its intake, the analgesic effect appears, which lasts up to 6 hours.

Dexak – indications for use

The use of Dexak film-coated tablets should be adapted to the patient’s symptoms and their severity. The drug is useful in symptomatic treatment, e.g. toothache, bone and joint pain, muscle pain or dysmenorrhea in case of ailments:

1. of low intensity;
2. of moderate severity.

For the treatment of the symptoms mentioned above Dexak can be taken for no more than 3-4 days. If within this time there is no improvement or the patient’s well-being worsens, a doctor should be consulted.

Dexak – contraindications

Before applying the over-the-counter drug Dexak it is advisable to read the warnings regarding the use of the preparation in some patients. The Dexak leaflet describes contraindications to taking the preparation. These include:

1. allergy to any component of the preparation;
2. allergy to acetylsalicylic acid or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs – possible allergic reactions caused by such preparations include, among others asthma attacks, hives, acute rhinitis, nasal polyps or angioedema;
3. the third trimester of pregnancy, as well as the period of breastfeeding;
4. chronic indigestion, heartburn, or other persistent digestive problems;
5. gastrointestinal bleeding or other bleeding or bleeding disorders;
6. ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, and other bowel diseases accompanied by chronic inflammation;
7. hypersensitivity to sunlight (also occurring in the past) – phototoxic or photoallergic reactions to ketoprofen or fibrants;
8. severe liver dysfunction;
9. severe heart failure;
10. moderate and severe renal failure;
11. bleeding tendencies, hemorrhagic diathesis and blood coagulation disorders;
12. severe dehydration.

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Dexak – dosage

Dexak dosage information is also described in the package leaflet. The preparation is intended for oral use and is in the form of coated tablets. Depending on the situation, Dexak can be taken with food or on an empty stomach with a glass of water. Taking the tablets with food reduces the risk of side effects in the form of digestive system ailments. Taking the drug on an empty stomach (minimum 30 minutes before a meal) enables faster analgesic effect of the preparation, but increases the risk of gastrointestinal ulceration.

Dexak is usually dosed as follows:

1. adults: 25 mg every 8 hours or 12,5 mg every 4-6 hours. The maximum daily dose is 75 mg;
2. Elderly, with moderate or mild hepatic insufficiency or mild renal insufficiency: the initial dose is 50 mg per day.

If you take more than the prescribed dose of Dexak, there is a risk of overdosing and requires immediate medical consultation or going to the emergency department.

Dexak – precautions

There are important precautionary information in the leaflet of Dexak. Certain diseases and circumstances may constitute some contraindications to use, or may be indications for changing the dosage of the drug. It’s necessary to avoid parallel use of the preparation with other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugsincluding selective COX-2 inhibitors.

Particular caution should also be exercised in the case of using the drug by women planning or suspecting pregnancy – they should consult a doctor. Dexak should not be used if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. It is not recommended to take the drug also during the diagnosis of infertility.

Precautions should also be taken by people using anticoagulants and patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, heart failure or hematopoietic disorders.

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Dexak – side effects

Like other medicines, Dexak can also cause side effects in some people. The most common side effects of taking the preparation are related to the digestive system and include:

1. stomach pain;
2. nausea;
3. vomiting;
4. diarrhea;
5. indigestion.

Disturbances in the work of the stomach and intestines can lead to negative consequences in the elderly. In this group there is a risk of peptic ulcer disease, gastrointestinal bleeding or perforation, also those with a threat to the patient’s life. Down less common side effects of taking Dexak tablets These include headache or dizziness, fatigue, drowsiness, trouble sleeping, gas, constipation, feeling unwell, rash or dry mouth. It is possible to experience heart palpitations, redness of the face, as well as feeling fever and chills or gastritis.

Some of the rare and very rare side effects of Dexak are high blood pressure, back pain, excessive sweating, peripheral edema, menstrual disorders, hepatitis, anaphylactic shock, drop in blood pressure, neutropenia and kidney damage. There is a complete list of symptoms and conditions that may occur after taking this medicine in the package leaflet.

The occurrence of certain side effects is a signal to stop the drug immediately – this applies especially to allergic symptoms, skin rashes or mucosa defects, e.g. in the mouth. Tell your doctor, pharmacist or nurse about side effects after taking Dexak tablets.

Dexak – price

The price of Dexak coated tablets (25 mg) depends on the pharmacy and packaging. For a package containing 10 tablets, we will pay 6–12 PLN, and for a package of 30 tablets, approximately 23–36 PLN.

Other forms of Dexak

The pain reliever Dexak is available as film-coated tablets containing 25 mg of dexketoprofen and as Exactly 12,5 – film-coated tablets with 12,5 mg of dexketoprofen. Alternative forms of the preparation are:

1. Exactly 50 – solution for infusion or injection containing 50 mg of dexketoprofen in one ampoule (2 ml);
2. Dexak SL – granules intended for the preparation of an oral solution, one sachet of the preparation is 12,5 mg of dexketoprofen.

Before use, read the leaflet, which contains indications, contraindications, data on side effects and dosage as well as information on the use of the medicinal product, or consult your doctor or pharmacist, as each drug used improperly is a threat to your life or health.