choline magnesium salicylate

Choline magnesium salicylate (or trisalicylate) is a type of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), referred to as a salicylate, which is effective in treating fever, pain, and inflammation in the body. Other drugs within the same class are aspirin, diflunisal (Dolobid) and salsalate (Disalcid). They work by reducing the levels of prostaglandins, chemicals that are responsible for pain, fever, and inflammation. The salicylates block the enzyme that makes prostaglandins (cyclooxygenase), resulting in lower concentrations of prostaglandins. As a consequence, inflammation, pain and fever are reduced.

Trilisate (Please Note: This brand name drug is no longer available in the US)

GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes

Yes

Common side effects of choline magnesium salicylate are heartburn, stomach ulcers, nausea, or vomiting. Patients should tell their doctor immediately if any of these unusual but potentially serious side effects occur: severe abdominal pain, easy bruising or bleeding, fast heartbeat, persistent nausea or vomiting, unusual tiredness, change in the amount or color of urine, yellowing of the eyes or skin, unusual bleeding, and hearing loss.

For rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, other severe arthritis, and acute painful joints, the recommended starting dosage is 1500 mg given twice a day. The recommended dose range is 1000 to 3000 mg given every 8 to 12 hours.

For mild to moderate pain or fever, the usual dosage is 1000 mg to 1500 mg every 12 hours.

It should be taken with food to prevent an upset stomach. This drug should not be used in children or teens with chickenpox or flu symptoms.

: Choline magnesium salicylate, as other salicylates, should not be given within six weeks of influenza virus vaccine as this can increase risk of Reye's syndrome (a serious, often fatal disease that causes numerous detrimental effects to many organs, especially the brain and liver) due to unknown mechanisms.

When choline magnesium salicylate is used in combination with methotrexate (Rheumatrex, Trexall), an antimetabolite, the blood levels of methotrexate may increase, presumably because the elimination of methotrexate from the body is reduced. This may lead to more methotrexate-related side effects.

Concurrent use of choline magnesium salicylate and warfarin (Coumadin), a blood thinner, may cause excessive bleeding as choline magnesium salicylate enhances the effect of warfarin. It is therefore important to reduce the dosage of warfarin.

NSAIDs may reduce the blood pressure-lowering effects of drugs that are given to reduce blood pressure. This may occur because prostaglandins play a role in the regulation of blood pressure.

Persons who have more than three alcoholic beverages per day may be at increased risk of developing stomach ulcers when taking choline magnesium salicylate or other NSAIDs.

Choline magnesium salicylate is excreted in breast milk; therefore, caution should be exercised when administering it to nursing women.

What preparations of choline magnesium salicylate are available?

Tablets: 500, 750, and 1000 mg. Liquid: 500 mg/5 ml.

How should I keep choline magnesium salicylate stored?

Choline magnesium salicylate should be stored at controlled room temperature 15 C to 30 C (59 F to 86 F) in a sealed container protected from light and moisture.