As stated Mosby's Drug Consult, Arthrotec is a brand-name prescription drug manufactured by the company, G.D. Searle, that was approved in 1997 by the FDA to treat arthritis pain and inflammation (Reference 1). The active ingredients in Arthrotec are diclofenac sodium and misoprostol, as noted by RxList.com (Reference 2). Drugs.com cites that Arthrotec is formulated as round, white tablets equivalent to either 50 or 100 mg of diclofenac and 200 mcg of misoprostol for oral administration (Reference 3). In addition to the active ingredients, Arthrotec contains inactive ingredients.
Diclofenac Sodium
Diclofenac sodium is classified as a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug with pain relieving properties, according to DailyMed (Reference 4). Arthrotec tablets contain an enteric-coated core of diclofenac, which works by reducing specific hormones that cause pain and inflammation in the body. However, anti-inflammatories can irritate the stomach lining and lead to ulcers because they reduce prostaglandin levels, which are natural protective substances in the stomach. This is why diclofenac is surrounded by an outer mantle of misoprostol.
Misoprostol
Misoprostol is classified as a gastrointestinal mucosal-protective prostaglandin analog, as noted on MyDr.com.au (Reference 5). Because misoprostol is similar to natural prostaglandins, it can offset the negative effects of diclofenac and help protect the stomach from irritation and ulceration. Misoprostol also reduces the production of stomach acid. RxList explains that the combination of diclofenac sodium and misoprostol in Arthrotec is often used to treat osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis in patients at high risk for developing stomach and intestinal ulcers.
Tablet Binders
DailyMed cites that Arthrotec contains some ingredients that can be labeled binders, and they are microcrystalline cellulose, hypromellose, corn starch and lactose. Binders ensure that all the ingredients of the tablet stay intact during and after the compounding process. Binders are typically starches, sugars and cellulose. The corn starch also helps to disintegrate the tablet, as it quickly expands and dissolves in the intestines, releasing the active ingredients of Arthrotec for absorption. The lactose also functions as an excipient, giving Arthrotec tablets a powdery texture, according to Mosby's.
Tablet Lubricators
Arthrotec contains other ingredients classified as lubricating agents, such as magnesium stearate, hydrogenated castor oil, colloidal silicon dioxide and talc powder. Magnesium stearate acts as both a lubricant and stabilizer in the compounding process. Silicon dioxide doubles as a "flow agent" and a water absorber, according to Mosby's. Lubricants prevent the ingredients from clinging to manufacturing equipment.
Tablet Fillers and Dispersers
Arthrotec also contains povidone and crospovidone, which both function as fillers and dispersing agents for the active ingredients. Both povidone and crospovidone can also be considered suspending and emulsifying agents in pharmaceutical tablets, as cited in Mosby's.
Other Ingredients
Arthrotec also contains sodium hydroxide, or lye, which is a highly alkaline compound used for purification, as well as triethyl citrate and methacrylic acid copolymer, both of which are used to coat the exterior of Arthrotec tablets.
References
- "Mosby's Drug Consult"; C.V. Mosby; 2004
- RxList.com: Arthrotec
- Drugs.com: Arthrotec
- DailyMed: Arthrotec
- MyDr.com.au: Arthrotec 50
