Introduction About THIOFLEX TABLET

THIOFLEX TABLET is used in adults to manage painful inflammatory conditions associated with muscle spasms. It can also be used to manage pain associated with musculoskeletal (bone) disorders such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis (inflammation of joints), or ankylosing spondylitis (back pain caused by inflammation of bones in the spine).

THIOFLEX TABLET is a combination of aceclofenac and thiocolchicoside, which belong to the group of medicines called Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs and Muscle relaxants, respectively. It works by blocking the production of certain chemicals that cause pain and inflammation in the body. It also relaxes the muscles by blocking the action of certain chemical messengers (GABA) in the brain that cause muscle spasm. As a result, THIOFLEX TABLET relieves painful muscle spasms associated with inflammatory disease conditions.

Before taking THIOFLEX TABLET, inform your doctor if you have any problems in your liver, liver, kidney, heart, or stomach. You should also inform your doctor if you have diabetes, high blood cholesterol, or fits.

Do not take THIOFLEX TABLET if you have asthma or varicella infection. Consult your doctor before taking THIOFLEX TABLET if you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, or are breastfeeding.

Take THIOFLEX TABLET only as advised by your doctor. Do not take THIOFLEX TABLET longer than recommended by your doctor, as it may cause serious side effects. Avoid smoking and consumption of alcohol while undergoing therapy with THIOFLEX TABLET to achieve better results.

The most common side effects of taking THIOFLEX TABLET are dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, and stomach pain. Consult your doctor if any of these side effects worsen.

Uses Of THIOFLEX TABLET

It is used in adults to manage:

• Painful muscle spasms
• Pain associated with musculoskeletal disorders (such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or ankylosing spondylitis)

How THIOFLEX TABLET Works

THIOFLEX TABLET is a muscle relaxant with anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. It effectively reduces pain caused by muscle spasms and inflammatory bone disorders, where aceclofenac acts by blocking the release of certain chemicals (prostaglandins) that cause pain and inflammation in the body and thiocolchicoside acts by blocking the effects of certain chemical messengers (GABA) in the brain that cause painful muscle spasms. Collectively, THIOFLEX TABLET relieves painful muscle spasms associated with inflammatory disease conditions.

How to use THIOFLEX TABLET

Take THIOFLEX TABLET as directed by your physician. Swallow the medicine with a glass of water and do not crush or chew the medicine. THIOFLEX TABLET can be taken 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals. Your doctor will decide the correct dose for you depending upon your health condition.

Side Effects Of THIOFLEX TABLET

How To Manage Side Effects

Diarrhea

Drink plenty of clear fluids like water, diluted fruit juices, or oral rehydration solutions to stay hydrated. Avoid caffeinated or alcoholic beverages, as they can worsen dehydration. Gradually take bland, low-fiber foods like bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast to help firm up stools. Probiotics, found in yogurt or supplements, may help restore the balance of gut bacteria. Practice good hand hygiene to prevent the spread of infection. Consult your doctor if diarrhea worsens.

Dizziness Or Drowsiness

Ensure proper hydration, as dehydration can cause dizziness. Avoid excessive caffeine, alcohol, and high-sodium foods, which can exacerbate symptoms. Engage in physical therapy or vestibular rehabilitation exercises designed to improve balance and reduce dizziness. Move slowly when changing positions, such as standing up or lying down, to avoid triggering dizziness. Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga to manage stress, which can contribute to dizziness. Consult your doctor if dizziness persists.

Indigestion

Avoid trigger foods such as fatty, spicy, or acidic items. Eating slowly, chewing food thoroughly, and avoiding lying down immediately after meals can improve digestion. Reduce stress through relaxation techniques like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing, which can alleviate symptoms. Maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking, and limiting alcohol consumption are also beneficial. Drinking plenty of water helps digestion. Engaging in regular physical activity can help keep the digestive system active and reduce stress, which may improve symptoms. Consult your doctor if indigestion persists.

Nausea And Vomiting

Stay hydrated with small sips of clear fluids like water, ginger ale, or electrolyte solutions. Avoid consuming large meals; instead, opt for bland, easy-to-digest foods. Ginger, peppermint, or chamomile tea may help soothe the stomach. Rest in a comfortable position, preferably with your head elevated, to ease symptoms. Consult your doctor if nausea and vomiting persist.

Warning & Precautions

Pregnancy

Contraindicated

THIOFLEX TABLET is not recommended for use in pregnant women, as it may cause harm to an unborn baby. Therefore, consult your doctor before taking it. Women of childbearing age must use a suitable contraceptive method to avoid pregnancy while undergoing therapy with THIOFLEX TABLET.

Breastfeeding

Contraindicated

THIOFLEX TABLET is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women. Therefore, consult your doctor before taking it.

Driving and Using Machines

Contraindicated

Do not drive or handle heavy tools or machines if you feel dizzy or drowsy after taking THIOFLEX TABLET.

Alcohol

Contraindicated

Avoid consumption of alcohol while taking THIOFLEX TABLET to avoid the risk of side effects.

Kidney

Use with Caution

THIOFLEX TABLET should be used with caution in patients with kidney diseases. Therefore, consult your doctor before taking it.

Liver

Use with Caution

THIOFLEX TABLET should be used with caution in patients with liver diseases. Therefore, consult your doctor before taking it.

Allergy

Contraindicated

Do not take THIOFLEX TABLET if you are allergic to aceclofenac or thiocolchicoside.

Lungs

Contraindicated

THIOFLEX TABLET is not recommended for use in patients with asthma. Therefore, consult your doctor before taking it.

Heart Disease

Use with Caution

THIOFLEX TABLET should be used with caution in patients with heart diseases (such as heart failure or high blood pressure). Therefore, consult your doctor before taking it.

Use In Pediatrics

Contraindicated

THIOFLEX TABLET is not recommended for use in children and adolescents (below 16 years) of age. Therefore, consult your doctor before taking it.

Use In Geriatrics

Use with Caution

THIOFLEX TABLET should be used with caution in elderly patients. Therefore, consult your doctor before taking it.

Interactions

A. Drug-Drug interactions:

• Anti-emetics (Ex. metoclopramide or domperidone)
• Anticoagulant (Ex. warfarin)
• Cardiovascular agents (Ex. enalapril, olmesartan, losartan, digoxin, digitoxin)
• Antibacterials (such as ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin, levofloxacin, or moxifloxacin)
• Anti-retroviral (such as zidovudine)
• Antidiabetics (such as glibenclamide, glycoside, and tolbutamide)
• Analgesics (such as aspirin or ibuprofen)
• Oral corticosteroids (Ex. dexamethasone)
• Proton-pump inhibitors (Ex. omeprazole)
• Antidepressants (Ex. citalopram, fluoxetine, sertraline)
• Gastrointestinal agents (Ex. misoprostol)
• Immunosuppressants (Ex. cyclosporin, tacrolimus)
• Anti-lipidemic (Ex. cholestyramine)
• Diuretics (Ex. furosemide)
• Anti-manic (Ex. lithium)
• Antineoplastic (Ex. methotrexate)
• Anti-progestational steroids (Ex. mifepristone)

Overdosage:

If you or anyone else accidentally took more THIOFLEX TABLET, contact your doctor immediately. Symptoms of overdosage might include nausea, vomiting, upper stomach pain, headache, gastrointestinal bleeding, diarrhea, disorientation, excitation, coma, drowsiness, dizziness, tinnitus, hypotension, respiratory depression, fainting, and convulsions.

Synopsis

More Information

FAQs About THIOFLEX TABLET

Q: Can a higher dose of THIOFLEX TABLET improve my disease condition?

A: No. Do not take a higher dose of THIOFLEX TABLET without consulting your doctor, as it may lead to an increased risk of unwanted side effects. Only use the dose prescribed to you by your doctor. Your doctor will decide the correct dose for you depending upon your age, body weight, and disease condition. If the prescribed dose does not result in effective pain relief, consult your doctor for advice.

Q: Can THIOFLEX TABLET cure arthritis?

A: No. THIOFLEX TABLET can only be used to relieve pain caused by arthritis and cannot cure arthritis. Your doctor may prescribe you other medicines along with THIOFLEX TABLET to help manage your disease condition.

Q: How long should I need to take THIOFLEX TABLET?

A: It is not advisable to take THIOFLEX TABLET for more than 7 days, especially while taking at higher doses. This is because THIOFLEX TABLET may cause chromosomal changes in the body, which might lead to unwanted side effects. Strictly follow the instructions given by your doctor regarding the duration of the therapy.

Q: Can I stop taking THIOFLEX TABLET once my pain is relieved?

A: Yes. THIOFLEX TABLET can be discontinued from use once pain is relieved. However, consult your doctor before doing so, as stopping THIOFLEX TABLET too early may cause the pain to come back.

Q: Who should take THIOFLEX TABLET?

A: THIOFLEX TABLET should be used under medical supervision. Do not take THIOFLEX TABLET if you are allergic to aceclofenac or thiocolchicoside or if you have asthma or a varicella infection (a viral infection). Therefore, consult your doctor before taking it.

Q: What precautions must be taken while using THIOFLEX TABLET?

A: THIOFLEX TABLET should be used with caution in patients with kidney diseases, liver diseases, heart diseases (such as heart failure or high blood pressure), high blood cholesterol levels, diabetes mellitus, a history of bleeding inside the brain, a history of stomach ulcers or inflammation (ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease), or epilepsy (or convulsions). Therefore, consult your doctor before taking it.

Q: Can THIOFLEX TABLET be taken with vitamin B12 supplements?

A: THIOFLEX TABLET can be taken together with vitamin supplements, as vitamins tend to improve healing of inflammation and reduce pain. However, consult your doctor before taking.

Q: For what conditions THIOFLEX TABLET is prescribed?

A: THIOFLEX TABLET is given for reliving musculoskeletal pain associated with muscle spasms.

Q: Is THIOFLEX TABLET safe for pregnant women?

A: THIOFLEX TABLET is not recommended for use in pregnant women, as it may cause harm to an unborn baby. Therefore, consult your doctor before taking it. Women of childbearing age must use a suitable contraceptive method to avoid pregnancy while undergoing therapy with THIOFLEX TABLET.

Q: Can I take THIOFLEX TABLET with antibiotics?

A: THIOFLEX TABLET may interact with certain antibiotics (such as ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin, levofloxacin, or moxifloxacin) and may produce an altered response. Inform your doctor about the medicines that you use currently.

Q: Is THIOFLEX TABLET a painkiller?

A: THIOFLEX TABLET is an anti-inflammatory medicine with pain-relieving properties. It helps in reducing pain and swelling while relaxing the muscles. It can be used for reducing pain caused by muscle contractions or inflammatory bone conditions.

Q: Does THIOFLEX TABLET make you feel sleepy?

A: THIOFLEX TABLET may make you feel sleepy because of its sedative property. Therefore, be cautious while you drive or operate any heavy tools or machines. Do not consume alcohol or other medicine that can seduce your brain further, such as antidepressants (Ex. citalopram, sertraline). Consult your doctor if you continue to feel sleepy that interferes with your day-to-day activities.

Q: Is THIOFLEX TABLET addictive?

A: THIOFLEX TABLET is not a habit-forming medicine. However, you might feel better that only if you take THIOFLEX TABLET. This is because THIOFLEX TABLET can only reduce pain caused by inflammatory conditions. It cannot manage the actual cause of the pain. And so, if you stop taking THIOFLEX TABLET, your pain may reappear once again. To avoid this, take THIOFLEX TABLET only as advised by the physician for the stipulated duration.

Q: Is THIOFLEX TABLET a steroid?

A: No. THIOFLEX TABLET is not a steroid. It contains aceclofenac, which is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, and thiocolchicoside, which is a muscle relaxant. They act by blocking the production of certain chemicals in the body that cause pain, inflammation, and muscle spasms. As a result, it relaxes skeletal muscles and reduces pain associated with musculoskeletal disorders such as muscle spasm, arthritis, etc.

Q: Can THIOFLEX TABLET be used in children?

A: No. THIOFLEX TABLET is strictly not recommended for use in children aged below 16 years. Children above this age group must also consult their doctor before taking THIOFLEX TABLET.

References

1. K.D. Tripathi. Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs and Antipyretic-Analgesics. Skeletal muscle relaxants. Essentials of Medical Pharmacology. Seventh edition. Page- 204 & 368.

2. Manish N. Maladkar, Chitra M. Tekchandani, Ashok S. Yadhav. National Library of Medicine. Targeting the Therapeutic Need in Musculoskeletal Inflammatory Pain with Thiocolchicoside and Aceclofenac Sustained Release with Combination Therapy. Aristo Pharmaceuticals Private Limited. ResearchGate. January 2019. [Accessed on 5th August 2024] https://www.researchgate.net/publication/335020828_Targeting_the_therapeutic_need_in_musculoskeletal_inflammatory_pain_with_thiocolchicoside_and_aceclofenac_sustained-release_combination_therapy

3. TORRENT PHARMACEUTICALS LTD. ZULU AT. Torrent.com. [Revised in April 2021]. [Accessed on 5th August 2024] https://www.torrentian.com/pisheet/Upload/PI_Sheet/3026.pdf

4. Cipla Ltd. IBUGESIC TH Tablets (Aceclofenac + Thiocolchicoside). Ciplamed.com. [Revised in June 2018]. [Accessed on 5th August 2024] https://ciplamed.com/content/ibugesic-th-tablets

5. Thichoren-AC. La Renon Healthcare Pvt Ltd. [Accessed on 5th August 2024] https://www.larenon.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/THICHOREN-2-page1.pdf

6. Novel formulations of thiocolchicoside. Patents.google.com. March 2015. [Accessed on 5th August 2024] https://patents.google.com/patent/EP2848260A1/en

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Author Details

Written By Dr. N. Sai Swaroop - Pharm.D

Reviewed By Dr. Sankara Babu Gorle - MBBS, MD(Pharmacology) View profile

Last updated on 06 Aug 2024 | 05:38 PM(IST)