3. Tiaprofenic acid for pain and inflammation

Tiaprofenic acid for pain and inflammation


  • Tiaprofenic acid is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (also known as an NSAID).
  • Take one tablet twice daily after meals.
  • If you experience problems when passing urine (such as pain, an increased need to pass urine urgently, or any blood in your urine) then stop taking these tablets and see your doctor as soon as possible.
Type of medicine Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)
Used for Pain and inflammation in rheumatic disease and other muscle and joint conditions
Also called Surgam®
Available as Tablets

Anti-inflammatory painkillers like tiaprofenic acid are sometimes called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or just 'anti-inflammatories'. Tiaprofenic acid eases pain and reduces inflammation in rheumatic disease and other conditions where there is pain and swelling in the muscles and joints.

Tiaprofenic acid works by blocking the effect of chemicals called cyclo-oxygenase (COX) enzymes. These enzymes help to make other chemicals in the body, called prostaglandins. Some prostaglandins are produced at sites of injury or damage, and cause pain and inflammation. By blocking the effect of COX enzymes, fewer prostaglandins are produced, which means pain and inflammation are eased.

Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine may only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you start taking tiaprofenic acid, it is important that your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you have a urinary tract problem, or you tend to have urine infections.
  • If you have asthma or any other allergic disorder.
  • If you have ever had a stomach or duodenal ulcer.
  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you are under 18 or over 65 years of age.
  • If you have liver, kidney or prostate problems.
  • If you have a heart condition, or a problem with your blood vessels or circulation.
  • If you have high blood pressure.
  • If you have ever had blood clotting problems.
  • If you have systemic lupus erythematosus (an inflammatory condition also called lupus, or SLE).
  • If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines.
  • If you have ever had an allergic reaction to any other NSAID (such as aspirin, ibuprofen, diclofenac, and indometacin), or to any other medicine.
  • Before you start taking tiaprofenic acid, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack. The leaflet will give you more information about tiaprofenic acid and provide a full list of possible side-effects from taking it.
  • Take tiaprofenic acid exactly as your doctor has told you. The usual dose is one 300 mg tablet taken twice a day. Your dose will also be on the label of the pack.
  • Take your doses with a snack or just after eating a meal.
  • Try to take tiaprofenic acid at the same times each day to avoid missing any doses.
  • If you do forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose, in which case leave out the missed dose. Do not take two doses together to make up for a forgotten dose.
  • Your doctor will try to prescribe you the lowest dose for the shortest time to reduce the risk of side-effects. Your doctor may also want to prescribe another medicine along with it to protect your stomach from irritation.
  • Try to keep your regular appointments with your doctor. This is so your doctor can check on your progress.
  • If you have asthma, symptoms such as wheeze or breathlessness can be made worse by anti-inflammatories such as tiaprofenic acid. If this happens to you, you should stop taking the tablets and see your doctor as soon as possible.
  • If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with an anti-inflammatory.
  • If you are having an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.

Common tiaprofenic acid side-effects What can I do if I experience this?
Feeling or being sick Stick to simple or bland foods - avoid rich or spicy foods
Indigestion, heartburn, abdominal pain, wind Take your dose after a meal if you are not already doing so. If the discomfort continues, speak with your doctor
Feeling dizzy or sleepy If this happens do not drive or use tools or machines until your reactions return to normal
Diarrhoea Drink plenty of water to replace the lost fluids
Other less common side-effects: headache, nervousness, mood changes, difficulty sleeping, vertigo (dizziness), constipation, and tinnitus (noises in the ear) If any of these become troublesome, speak with your doctor

Important: if you experience any of the following uncommon but serious symptoms, stop taking tiaprofenic acid and contact your doctor for advice straightaway:

  • If you feel an urgent need to pass urine more regularly or at night, or if you notice blood in your urine.
  • If you pass blood or black stools, vomit blood, or have abdominal pains.
  • If you have any breathing difficulties such as wheeze or breathlessness.
  • If you have any signs of an allergic reaction such as swelling around your mouth or face, or an itchy skin rash.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that someone has taken an overdose of this medicine, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people, even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out-of-date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.
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Further reading & references

  • British National Formulary; 62nd Edition (Sep 2011) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London
  • Manufacturer's PIL, Surgam® 300 mg tablets; Manufacturer's PIL, Surgam® 300 mg tablets, sanofi-aventis, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated April 2009.
Original Author: Helen Allen Current Version: Peer Reviewer: Dr Helen Huins
Last Checked: 20/02/2012 Document ID: 3320  Version: 23 © EMIS

Disclaimer: This article is for information only and should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of medical conditions. EMIS has used all reasonable care in compiling the information but make no warranty as to its accuracy. Consult a doctor or other health care professional for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. For details see our conditions.

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