Doans

Doans is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) in a group of drugs called salicylates (sa-LIS-il-ates). This medicine works by reducing substances in the body that cause pain, fever, and inflammation.

Doans is used to reduce pain, swelling, and joint stiffness caused by arthritis

Doans is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) in a group of drugs called salicylates (sa-LIS-il-ates). This medicine works by reducing substances in the body that cause pain, fever, and inflammation.

Doans is used to reduce pain, swelling, and joint stiffness caused by arthritis.

Doans may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Dosage Forms

Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling.

Tablet,

Oral:

Doans Pills: 325 mg

Tablet,

Oral, as tetrahydrate:

Doans Extra Strength: 580 mg

Doans Extra Strength: 580 mg [contains methylparaben]

Dosing: Adult

Relief of mild-to-moderate pain:

Doan's® Extra Strength, Momentum®: Two caplets every 6 hours as needed (maximum: 8 caplets/24 hours)

Keygesic: One tablet every 4 hours as needed (maximum: 4 tablets/24 hours)

Dosing: Pediatric

Relief of mild-to-moderate pain: Children ≥12 years: Refer to adult dosing.

See also:
What is the most important information I should know about Doans?

Hypersensitivity to Doans, salicylates, other NSAIDs, or any component of the formulation; advanced chronic renal dysfunction; concomitant use with uricosuric agents

In patients ≥65 years of age: Also contraindicated with a history of chronic salicylate use, carditis, chronic liver dysfunction

Use Doans as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Take Doans by mouth with or without food. If stomach upset occurs, take with food to reduce stomach irritation.
• Take Doans with a full glass of water (8 oz/240 mL). Do not lie down for 30 minutes after taking Doans.
• Use Doans exactly as directed on the package, unless instructed differently by your doctor. If you are taking Doans without a prescription, follow any warnings and precautions on the label.
• If you miss a dose of Doans and you are taking it regularly, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Doans.

Doans is used to relieve pain from various conditions. It also reduces pain, swelling, and joint stiffness from arthritis. This medication is known as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).

How to use Doans

If you are taking the over-the-counter product, read all directions on the product package before taking this medication. Take this medication by mouth, usually 3 to 4 times daily with a full glass of water (8 ounces or 240 milliliters) or as directed by your doctor. Do not lie down for at least 10 minutes after taking this drug. If stomach upset occurs while taking this medication, take it with food, milk, or an antacid.

Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. To reduce your risk of stomach bleeding and other side effects, take this medication at the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible time. Do not increase your dose, take it more frequently, or take it for a longer time than prescribed. Do not take the over-the-counter product for more than 10 days unless otherwise directed. For ongoing conditions such as arthritis, continue taking this medication as directed by your doctor. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor or pharmacist.

For certain conditions (e.g., arthritis), it may take up to 2 weeks of taking this drug regularly until you get the full benefit.

If you are taking this drug "as needed" (not on a regular schedule), remember that pain medications work best if they are used as the first signs of pain occur. If you wait until the symptoms have worsened, the medicine may not work as well.

If your condition persists or worsens, if you develop new symptoms, or if you think you may have a serious medical problem, seek immediate medical attention.

See also:
What other drugs will affect Doans?

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

Some products that may interact with this drug include: anabolic steroids (e.g., danazol, oxandrolone), carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (e.g., acetazolamide), certain drugs for seizures (phenytoin, phenobarbital, valproic acid), cidofovir, corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone), drugs for gout (e.g., probenecid, sulfinpyrazone), gabapentin, lithium, magnesium-containing drugs (e.g., milk of magnesia), methotrexate, pemetrexed, tenofovir.

This medication may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with other drugs that also may cause bleeding. Examples include anti-platelet drugs such as clopidogrel, "blood thinners" such as dabigatran/enoxaparin/warfarin, among others.

Check all prescription and nonprescription medicine labels carefully since many contain pain relievers/fever reducers (NSAIDs such as aspirin, ibuprofen, ketorolac, or naproxen) that are similar to this drug and, if taken together, may increase your risk for side effects. However, if your doctor has directed you to take low-dose aspirin for heart attack or stroke prevention (usually at dosages of 81-325 milligrams a day), you should continue taking it unless your doctor instructs you otherwise. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

Some medications (e.g., ciprofloxacin, tetracycline) cannot be taken with magnesium. The magnesium in this product may bind with these medication, preventing their full absorption. Take these medications 2-3 hours before or after taking Doans. Ask your pharmacist for more details.

This medication may interfere with certain laboratory tests (including certain urine glucose tests), possibly causing false test results. Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.

See also:
What are the possible side effects of Doans?

Upset stomach or nausea may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, remember that he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

This medication may raise your blood pressure. Check your blood pressure regularly and tell your doctor if the results are high.

Tell your doctor right away if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: stomach pain, heartburn, swelling of ankles/feet/hands, sudden/unexplained weight gain, hearing changes (e.g., ringing in the ears, decreased hearing).

Stop taking Doans and tell your doctor right away if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: fast/pounding heartbeat, signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine), easy bruising/bleeding, signs of infection (e.g., fever, persistent sore throat), dark urine, yellowing eyes/skin, unusual/extreme tiredness, severe stomach/abdominal pain, persistent nausea/vomiting.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice any other side effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Doans is a common analgesic and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to treat mild to moderate muscular pain. It is also used to treat headaches, general back pain, and certain joint pains like arthritis. It is found in a variety of over-the-counter (OTC) medications as an anti-inflammatory, primarily for back-pain relief. Doans can be an effective OTC alternative to prescription NSAIDs, with both anti-inflamatory and pain-relieving effects. Though the recommended doseage is 1160 mg every six hours, per package directions of the Doan's OTC brand (580 mg Doans tetrahydrate, equivalent to 934.4 mg anhydrous Doans), effective pain relief is often found with a half dosage, with reduced anti-inflammatory results.