Naftidrofuryl - Oral

Naftidrofuryl is used to treat peripheral vascular diseases (narrowing or blockage of arteries outside of the heart and brain causing poor circulation of blood to the arms and legs). It is used to treat symptoms of disorders such as intermittent claudication (cramp-like pains, usually in the calves when walking), severe pain in the legs when resting, or pale or blue fingers or toes which gets worse when it is cold.

This medicine may be used to treat other conditions as decided by your doctor.

Take Naftidrofuryl exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.

Take it together with food or immediately after a meal. Try to take it at the same time each day.

This medicine is available as a tablet or capsule.

Swallow the tablet or capsule whole with at least one full glass of water to prevent any irritation in the throat. Do not divide, chew or crush the tablet or capsule.

The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on the severity of your condition and response to the medication.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.

DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.

If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.

Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:

• history of hyperoxaluria (high levels of a natural chemical substance called oxalate in the urine)
• history of recurrent kidney stone

as Naftidrofuryl may not be suitable for you.

Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:

• kidney disease
• liver disease

You should drink plenty of fluids during treatment with Naftidrofuryl to help prevent the formation of kidney stones.

If you are taking the tablet, you may see a small tablet-shaped casing in your bowel. This is normal, do not be alarmed. This casing is just an empty shell; the medicine inside it has already been absorbed by your body.

Naftidrofuryl may cause any of the following side effects: nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach pain and rash.

This medicine may also cause irritation in the throat when it is taken without a glass of water. To prevent this, always take this medicine with a glass of water.

Although not common, some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:

• yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark coloured urine, tiredness, swelling in the legs and ankles
• pain at the lower back or side of the body, blood in the urine, pain when urinating, foul-smelling or cloudy urine, urgent or constant need to urinate

Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.

Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.

Avoid alcohol.

Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.

Protect from moisture and light.

Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.