The consumption of pain-killing drugs is extremely widespread . Nolotil, Paracetamol, Ibuprofen, Voltaren or Aspirin are some of the most used drugs, especially without a prescription.

In recent years, another drug has become popular for treating pain: dexketoprofen or Enantyum. In this article, we will explain what Enantyum is for and how it differs from other painkillers.

What is Enantyum (dexketoprofen)?

“Dexketoprofen” is the generic name of Enantyum, an anti-inflammatory and analgesic drug that is given orally or in gel form and is used to treat headache, menstrual pain and muscle inflammation, among other problems. It is also marketed under other names, such as “Stadium” and “Keral” in Mexico or “Ketesgel” in Spain.

Dexketoprofen inhibits the synthesis of prostaglandins , substances derived from fatty acids that have a relevant role in several biological processes: inflammation, gastric mucus secretion, contraction of smooth muscles, regulation of body temperature and blood pressure. Likewise, prostaglandins influence the sensation of pain, which is related to their inflammatory effect.

What does it do?

Enantyum, like Aspirin, Ibuprofen and Voltaren (diclofenac), is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (“NSAID”) . NSAIDs relieve symptoms related to inflammation, pain and fever, so they are often used after going through surgery or receiving certain types of bites, for example.

In comparison, the steroid anti-inflammatory drugs derived from cortisol and cortisone, which were used more a few decades ago, appear to have more serious side effects if taken for a long time, especially for the stomach, intestine, liver, heart and kidneys.

However, these effects, especially digestive effects, can also occur when taking dexketoprofen and other NSAIDs because by inhibiting prostaglandins they not only reduce inflammation and pain, but also make it more difficult for gastric mucus to form, which protects the stomach from gastric acid.

Differences with other medications

Compared to other analgesics such as Paracetamol or Ibuprofen, Enantyum can be considered more specific for muscle, joint, menstrual and dental pain . While it is also useful for other types of pain, its use is not as general as that of other medications.

Also, Enantyum is more aggressive than other NSAIDs such as Ibuprofen, Aspirin or Voltaren; this means that its main side effects, those of a gastrointestinal nature, are superior to those of the other drugs mentioned.

The aspect in which dexketoprofen is superior is that it acts faster than other painkillers. However, its effect has a shorter duration.

What kind of pain is it good for?

Consuming Enantyum can be useful for a wide variety of mild to moderate pain, as long as it is under medical supervision. The following are some of the problems for which this drug is used.

1. Muscle (myalgia)

The anti-inflammatory effect of dexketoprofen is effective in reducing muscle discomfort , such as that caused by strain, injury, shock or overload. These are problems that appear relatively frequently when maintaining a bad body posture, excessive effort, etc.In this case, dexketoprofen gel may be recommended.

2. Menstrual (dysmenorrhea)

Menstrual pain can cause fatigue, anxiety, nausea and even fainting . The treatment of menstrual pain is one of the most cited examples when talking about the benefits of Enantyum.

3. Of joints (arthralgia)

Knee pain, sprains, arthritis, tendinitis or bursitis are some examples of joint pain that can be relieved with this medicine. Similarly, in people who spend many hours each day sitting in an office environment, the wrists may also become sore and, while it is preferable to change habits, this medication may temporarily relieve the discomfort.

4. Headache

Dexketoprofen can be used to combat mild headaches and migraines associated with muscle tension . Similarly, it is useful for relieving hangover symptoms.

5. Dental pain

Among this type of pain, that of teeth is usually cited as one of the problems for which it is most effective to take Enantyum .

6. Back, lumbar and cervical pain

These pains can be caused by a variety of things including muscle and joint problems and herniated discs. They are usually recurrent complaints, likely to come and go over several days, and it is preferable to act on learned posture and movements than to treat the problem with medication.

7. Of stomach and intestines (gastralgia)

Although Enantyum is useful for most pains, it should be noted that among the side effects most likely to appear are disturbances of the intestine and stomach, and therefore may worsen the gastrointestinal discomfort of some people .

How to take this drug?

First of all it is worth mentioning that Enantyum should not be consumed without a doctor’s prescription . It is very important to keep this in mind, even if we believe that the symptoms experienced are the same as those that appeared in the past in a case where the doctor prescribed this product.

There are several ways to take this medicine. The most common is in the form of oral tablets, preferably with water and along with meals to decrease the risk of side effects on the digestive system. It can also be purchased in drinkable or injectable vials.

When administered orally , either in tablet form or dissolved in water, the recommended dose is 25 mg. Granulated Enantyum (in sachets) may be consumed in a slightly higher dose. It should be taken no more than once every 8 hours, i.e., no more than three doses per day.

Enantyum gel, which is marketed in Spain as “Ketesgel”, is applied directly to the part of the body where the pain is felt. It is normally used for muscle pain.

Side effects

The most common side effects of this medicine are stomach pain, digestive disorders (such as indigestion and diarrhea), nausea, vomiting and dizziness . These effects occur in 1 to 10% of people who take it, in the vast majority of cases they disappear when the medicine is stopped.

Other less common side effects (0.1-1% of people) include feeling dizzy, sleep disorders such as drowsiness and insomnia, tiredness, nervousness, headache, fever and chills, palpitations, constipation and gas.

Contraindications

Because of its potential harmful effects on the digestive, cardiovascular and respiratory systems, as well as on the liver and kidneys, it is not recommended to take Enantyum or other NSAIDs to people who have diseases related to these organs, such as heart, kidney or liver failure, asthma, gastrointestinal ulcer or Crohn’s disease.

Enantyum is also contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding , due to the risk that substances in unwanted quantities are passed on to the child and affect his or her development at this delicate stage. In addition, those who are hypersensitive to NSAIDs (Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Voltaren, etc.) should also avoid using it .

Dexketoprofen should not be mixed with alcohol, other anti-inflammatory or analgesics, blood thinners, or other specific drugs such as lithium, methotrexate, sulfamethoxazole, or some medications used to treat epilepsy.

Bibliographic references:

  • Flórez, J. (2001). Human pharmacology. 4th ed. Editorial Masson-Salvat Medicina.
  • Katzung, B. (2005). Basic and clinical pharmacology. El Manual Moderno, MEXICO DF or Santa Fe de Bogotá. 9th edition.