Painkiller Meftal and DRESS Syndrome | 13 Dec 2023

Source: IE

Why in News?

Recently, the Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC) has issued a drug safety alert about Meftal, the common painkiller, saying its constituent, mefenamic acid, triggers severe allergic reactions like the DRESS syndrome, which affects internal organs.

What is DRESS Syndrome?

  • DRESS syndrome (Drug Rash with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms) is a severe allergic reaction affecting around 10% of individuals, potentially deadly and caused by certain medications.
  • It is also known as Drug-Induced Hypersensitivity Syndrome (DIHS).
  • It is characterized by skin rash, high fever, swollen lymph nodes and complications in internal organs.

What is the Use and Associated Side Effects of Meftal?

  • Uses:
    • Meftal is commonly used as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).
    • It is widely used in India for multiple purposes, including relieving menstrual pains, headaches, muscle and joint pain, and is even prevalent among children for high fever.
  • Associated Side Effects:
    • Prolonged use of drugs like Meftal may increase the risk of stomach ulcers, bleeding and related complications.
    • Meftal has been associated with potential adverse effects on the cardiovascular system.
    • Some experts have flagged renal complications as a potential side effect of Meftal.

What is Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC)?

  • IPC is an Autonomous Institution of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
  • IPC was created to set standards for drugs in India. Its basic function is to regularly update the standards of drugs commonly required for the treatment of diseases prevailing in this region.
  • It publishes official documents for improving the Quality of Medicines by way of adding new and updating existing monographs in the form of Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP).
    • It further promotes the rational use of generic medicines by publishing the National Formulary of India.
  • IPC also provides IP Reference Substances (IPRS) which act as a fingerprint for identification of an article under test and its purity as prescribed in IP.