Redac

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Medically reviewed

Marina Burgos

Last updated on 22/12/2025

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Redac

Quick Facts

Property Description
Active Ingredient Tenoxicam
Form Film-coated tablets and injectable solution
Pharmacological Class Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID)
General Purpose Analgesia and anti-inflammatory action
Origin Synthetic

Redac is a synthetic, prescription-only medicine, widely recognized for its potent analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, designed to provide systemic relief from pain and swelling. Its identity is anchored in its sole active pharmaceutical ingredient, Tenoxicam, an established compound within the family of long-acting oxicam derivatives.


What Type of Medicine is Redac and its Composition?

Redac is classified as a Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID), a pharmacological class used globally for its core action of mitigating widespread inflammation and pain. The medicine's active component is Tenoxicam, a synthetic chemical substance that belongs to the oxicam subset of NSAIDs. It is prepared as a single-ingredient product, offered both as film-coated tablets for oral ingestion and as a lyophilized powder intended for reconstitution into an injectable solution, facilitating flexible systemic use.


How Does Redac's Action Differ from Other NSAIDs?

Redac works by inhibiting cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, thereby stopping the body's production of prostaglandins, which are the chemical messengers responsible for signaling pain and inflammation. A key characteristic of Tenoxicam and other oxicam derivatives is their relatively long plasma half-life. This sustained pharmacokinetic profile, a distinctive feature of the oxicam class, often allows for its effects to be maintained over a longer period compared to some shorter-acting NSAID options.


What is the General Therapeutic Purpose of Redac?

The general therapeutic purpose of Redac is to provide effective pain relief (analgesia) and to reduce inflammation associated with various conditions. By interrupting the chemical processes that cause swelling and discomfort, the medicine helps to alleviate widespread pain and decreases inflammation throughout the musculoskeletal system. For instance, it is commonly used in scenarios requiring sustained reduction of joint discomfort. Furthermore, Tenoxicam contributes an auxiliary antipyretic effect, meaning it can assist in normalizing body temperature when fever accompanies inflammatory states.

Regulatory References

  1. WHO Model Lists of Essential Medicines
  2. WHO Model List of Essential Medicines

What side effects are possible with Redac?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

The safety profile of Redac (Tenoxicam), an NSAID, is structured by regulatory bodies to highlight risks across several key organ systems and patient populations.

Adverse Reaction Scope

Adverse reactions are officially classified by frequency and System-Organ Class (SOC).

Category Regulatory Focus
Common Effects Gastrointestinal discomfort (e.g., nausea, dyspepsia, abdominal pain).
Rare Effects Dizziness, headache, insomnia, vertigo, and palpitations.
Serious Adverse Reactions Gastrointestinal bleeding, ulceration, and perforation; serious Cardiovascular (CV) Thrombotic Events (e.g., Myocardial Infarction, Stroke); and life-threatening cutaneous reactions (SJS, TEN).

Safety Constraints and Considerations

The regulatory label mandates specific warnings regarding high-risk situations and populations:

  • Major System-Organ Safety: The profile emphasizes Gastrointestinal and Cardiovascular risks, which are serious concerns inherent to the NSAID class, alongside the potential for Renal and Hepatic impairment.
  • Population-Specific Risks: Older adults face a significantly increased risk of fatal gastrointestinal bleeding and renal failure. The medicine is contraindicated during the third trimester of pregnancy due to the potential risk of premature closure of the fetal ductus arteriosus.
  • Exposure Patterns: The risk of serious cutaneous reactions (SJS/TEN) is highest within the initial weeks of treatment. Conversely, the risk of serious CV thrombotic events may increase with duration of use and higher doses.

This structure establishes a regulatory framework that defines risks and identifies conditions, such as active peptic ulcers or severe organ failure, where the medicine must not be used.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and when to seek help

The regulatory profile for Redac (Tenoxicam), consistent with the Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID) class, requires specific emergency actions due to documented systemic risks. Management is defined by the fact that no specific antidote is known for acute NSAID toxicity. Consequently, management focuses exclusively on supportive and symptomatic therapy.

Regulatory documents mandate that the individual contact their regional poison control center or seek medical care right away in the event of a suspected overdosage.

Documented Overdose Manifestations and Risks

Domain Official Regulatory Statement
Manifestations Patients are often asymptomatic or present with minor, self-limiting gastrointestinal symptoms. CNS effects may include drowsiness or confusion
Severe Risks Potential outcomes documented are acute renal failure, convulsions, coma, and severe gastrointestinal bleeding/perforation, which carry a fatal risk.
Urgent Help Immediate medical attention is required for signs of a serious cardiovascular event (e.g., chest pain, slurred speech) or uncontrolled bleeding.
Monitoring Adequate monitoring of cardiac and renal function is required, including assessment for fluid retention. Elderly patients are noted to be at increased risk of fatal gastrointestinal complications.

This official structure ensures adherence to mandated emergency-response protocols and outlines the necessary clinical observation required to mitigate documented life-threatening complications.

Therapeutic Uses of Redac

Redac is commonly used across domains where additional symptomatic support is needed, primarily focusing on conditions involving inflammatory or irritative processes.

This medicine is relevant for easing symptom clusters that may become intense or disruptive in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, acute tendinitis, bursitis, and flares of gout. It is applied in situations involving certain distressing symptoms, including pain associated with primary dysmenorrhea. This comprehensive support helps maintain a sense of stability when symptoms are more noticeable, assisting with functional stability during periods of acute pain and swelling.

“This therapeutic approach is relevant when supportive symptom management is appropriate, helping to ease the overall burden of acute discomfort and inflammation.”

Quick Fact: Support for Joint Symptoms

Scope Condition Categories Symptom Relief
Primary Focus Chronic inflammatory joint diseases Management of Pain, Stiffness, Swelling
Acute Use Musculoskeletal soft tissue disorders Management of Acute Tenderness, Inflammation
Systemic Support Episodic pain (e.g., dysmenorrhea) Management of Generalized Discomfort, Fever

Regulatory References

  1. Medsafe New Zealand Data Sheet for Tenoxicam

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Who Can and Cannot Use Redac?

Eligibility for Redac (Tenoxicam) is strictly defined by regulatory documents, which establish groups for whom the medicine is permitted, restricted, or absolutely prohibited.

Contraindications (Must Not Use)

Redac is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to Tenoxicam or any other NSAID, and in those who have experienced asthma, rhinitis, or urticaria following aspirin use. It must not be used by patients with an active peptic ulcer or a history of recurrent gastrointestinal bleeding/perforation. Use is also prohibited in patients with severe heart failure, severe liver impairment, or severe renal impairment, as well as during the third trimester of pregnancy.

Age and Condition Restrictions

Population Group Eligibility Status
Children/Adolescents Not recommended (safety/efficacy not established) under 16 or 18 years of age.
Older Adults Use requires special caution due to an increased risk of serious adverse reactions, particularly GI bleeding.
Pregnancy Contraindicated in the third trimester; not recommended in the first or second trimesters unless essential.
Mild-to-Moderate Impairment Use requires caution and close monitoring in patients with mild-to-moderate renal or hepatic impairment.

The official eligibility profile limits use to adults without these prohibiting conditions, mandating special caution for the elderly and those with existing cardiovascular risk factors.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products

The official regulatory profile for Redac (Tenoxicam) is defined by documented pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic interactions that necessitate specific constraints on co-administration.

Documented Interaction Patterns

Co-administration with other Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), including COX-2 inhibitors and Aspirin when used for pain, is formally contraindicated due to the significantly increased risk of adverse gastrointestinal events.

Redac exhibits a pharmacokinetic interaction that causes reduced renal excretion of certain medicines, which leads to elevated plasma concentrations of co-administered Lithium and Methotrexate. The concurrent use with Anticoagulants (e.g., Warfarin, Heparin) and SSRIs presents an additive pharmacodynamic risk of hemorrhage and bleeding, requiring strict caution.

Restrictions and Other Substances

Interacting Agent Official Interaction Outcome
Antihypertensives / Diuretics Potential reduction in antihypertensive and diuretic efficacy of the co-administered drug.
Oral Corticosteroids Increased risk of gastrointestinal ulceration and bleeding.
Mifepristone Use of Redac must be avoided for 8 to 12 days following administration.
Food / Alcohol Food intake delays absorption; heavy alcohol consumption is an established risk factor that increases the risk of stomach bleeding.

In patients with hepatic impairment, careful monitoring of liver function is recommended due to the potential for increased significance of adverse events and interactions. The elderly population is noted to have an increased frequency and severity of adverse reactions and requires particular care.

Mechanism of Action

The action of Redac (Tenoxicam) is defined by its mechanism of interfering with the biochemical synthesis of eicosanoids, a pathway involving specific enzyme systems. Redac functions as a non-selective, competitive inhibitor of the Cyclooxygenase (COX) enzyme system ( COX-1 and COX-2). By blocking the active sites of these enzymes, the drug fundamentally suppresses the conversion of arachidonic acid into their outputs, the prostaglandins, which are lipid mediators involved in inflammation and nociceptive signaling.

This systemic reduction in prostaglandin levels, particularly Prostaglandin E2 ( PGE2), modulates two key physiological processes. Peripherally, it reduces the prostaglandin-mediated sensitization of nociceptors (pain-sensing neurons). Centrally, the suppression of PGE2 in the hypothalamus alters the thermoregulatory set point. This integrated mechanism results in the modulation of local inflammatory mediators and an adjustment of the central thermoregulatory set point.

Dosage and Administration Information

How Redac is Used: Official Administration Guidelines

The administration of Redac (tenoxicam) is defined by official instructions detailing the specific routes, standardized doses, and required frequency. As a medicine available in multiple forms, its usage pattern is structured to utilize its long duration of action.


Official Routes and Administration Forms

Redac is approved for systemic administration via both the oral route using film-coated tablets and the parenteral route using a reconstituted powder for injection. The injection is administered via either the intramuscular (IM) or intravenous (IV) routes. For oral use, the tablets should be taken with or immediately after a meal or with water, a standard practice for NSAIDs.


Standard Dosing Regimens and Frequency

The standard adult dosing regimen is typically 20 mg taken once daily. This once-daily frequency is a defining feature of its use. For initiating treatment of acute conditions, the official instructions allow for a starting dose of a single 40 mg dose on the first day, which is then immediately followed by the standard 20 mg once-daily maintenance dose. The standard 20 mg dose represents the maximum recommended daily dose for ongoing use.


Use Over Time and Special Instructions

The duration of Redac use is categorized based on the context of the condition: short-term use, often limited to up to 14 days, is specified for acute flares, while adherence to the 20 mg regimen forms part of a long-term plan for chronic conditions. The lyophilized powder for injection must be reconstituted immediately prior to use with the supplied solvent, and the resulting solution must be administered slowly when given by injection. For older adults, the guiding principle is to use the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible duration.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research evidence / Overview of studies for Redac

Redac (Tenoxicam) was evaluated in clinical research primarily through comparative short-term studies and randomized controlled trials (RCTs). This evidence base is relevant in research contexts exploring outcomes related to physical discomfort and functional imbalance across various inflammatory conditions. Findings help contextualize how patients reported their experiences over defined observation periods, and research so far indicates patterns of short-term change in measured symptoms.


Research Evidence for Inflammatory Joint Conditions

The core evidence for Redac was evaluated for chronic inflammatory joint conditions, stemming from studies that specifically examined changes in pain and function. These studies were conducted during periods of increased symptom activity to understand how symptoms change over time in observed populations.

Evidence for Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis

For both Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis, research explored the study of symptoms relevant to the medicine's evaluated profile. Studies primarily employed short-term Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs), where investigators monitored outcomes related to physical discomfort in adults. Outcomes examined included patient-reported pain intensity scores, metrics of joint stiffness, and measures of functional capacity. This evidence base is categorized as providing a high level of information for short-term symptomatic study designs.

Evidence for Ankylosing Spondylitis

Redac was evaluated in a smaller number of short-to-intermediate duration RCTs for patients with active Ankylosing Spondylitis. Research examined specific outcomes linked to inflammatory or irritative states in the spine, such as spinal mobility and functional index scores. The overall evidence base for this specific condition is smaller compared to the data for Osteoarthritis. Data for long-term influence on structural progression markers remain insufficient.


Studies in Specific Patient Populations

Clinical research has focused mainly on the general adult population. As is common with many older medicines, data for certain groups remain insufficient.

  • Older Adults (Geriatrics): Research has been studied in some older adults, and studies explored its use in patients with mild-to-moderate renal impairment. Results apply to the populations studied, but findings help contextualize how patients reported their experience when comorbidities were present.
  • Children (Pediatrics): Data for the pediatric population remain insufficient. The research base does not currently include extensive studies in children.
  • Uncertainty: There is limited information for long-term outcomes or the effect of continuous use beyond intermediate timeframes. Comparative studies have been conducted against other NSAIDs, but limited comparative evidence is available in some treatment scenarios.

Key Studies & References TENOXICAM Devatis Powder for Injection, 20 mg - Medsafe (New Zealand Data Sheet)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Redac (FAQ)


Q: How quickly does Redac start working after taking it?

The active component of Redac has a relatively long elimination half-life of 60 to 80 hours, which is a characteristic feature of its drug class. Official regulatory summaries generally focus on the drug's sustained effects, and a specific timeframe for the initial onset of action is not consistently detailed across these documents.


Q: Does Redac cause weight gain or weight loss?

Regulatory documents indicate the importance of monitoring for signs of fluid retention, such as weight gain or development of edema, especially in patients with certain pre-existing conditions. Changes in body weight and loss of appetite have also been listed as possible reported effects in official product information.


Q: Is it true that Redac interacts with certain foods?

Official administration information describes taking the tablets with or immediately after food or with water to reduce the potential for stomach upset. Some regulatory sources also advise that it may be best to avoid high-irritant items like coffee and spicy food as the medicine may increase the potential for stomach irritation.


Q: Can Redac affect my ability to drive?

The regulatory label includes warnings that the medicine may cause effects such as dizziness or vertigo in some individuals. Regulatory warnings indicate that caution should be exercised regarding operating machinery or driving if these effects are experienced.


Q: Is Redac safe to use during pregnancy?

Redac is contraindicated—meaning it must not be used—during the third trimester of pregnancy due to the risk of premature closure of the ductus arteriosus in the fetus. The medicine is generally not recommended during the first or second trimesters.


Q: Do I need to avoid alcohol completely while taking Redac?

Official documents state that heavy alcohol consumption is an established risk factor that increases the potential for gastrointestinal bleeding when combined with this medicine. Use of alcohol while taking Redac should be approached with caution, recognizing this increased risk.


Q: How long does Redac stay in your system?

The active component of the medicine has a long elimination half-life of 60 to 80 hours, according to pharmacokinetic studies. This long half-life indicates that the active component is removed from the body slowly.


Q: Does Redac affect my blood pressure?

According to official product information, the medicine includes the possibility that it may increase blood pressure in some individuals as a reported effect.


Q: Is it normal to feel a change in appetite while taking Redac?

Regulatory documents include loss of appetite as a rare reported effect of the medicine.


Q: Can Redac cause changes in mood?

Regulatory documents describe certain central nervous system effects, including depression and nervousness, as rare reported effects of the medicine.


Q: If I am taking Redac, can I still consume caffeine?

Some official sources advise that it may be best to avoid coffee while using this medicine due to the potential for stomach irritation that both substances can cause.


Q: Is there a specific time of day Redac works best?

The standard regimen is once daily. Regulatory guidance emphasizes that the medicine is generally described as being taken with or immediately after a meal or with water to minimize the potential for stomach upset, but no specific time of day is dictated beyond the meal condition.


Q: What is the chemical name for Redac?

The active component of Redac is Tenoxicam. The formal chemical name for this substance is 4-hydroxy-2-methyl-1,1-dioxo-N-pyridin-2-ylthieno[2,3-e]thiazine-3-carboxamide, which defines its chemical structure.


Q: Can Redac make my skin more sensitive to the sun?

Official regulatory documents report that in rare cases, a rash caused by exposure to sunlight (photosensitivity) has been observed as a reported effect.


Q: Are there different brand names for the medicine Redac?

Yes, Redac’s active ingredient, Tenoxicam, is available globally under many different brand names, such as Enocam, Inoten, and Mobicam, depending on the country of origin.


Q: Are there specific laboratory tests needed before starting Redac?

Regulatory guidance emphasizes the need for careful monitoring of renal and cardiac function (e.g., blood urea nitrogen and creatinine levels) during treatment. For those with hepatic impairment, close monitoring of liver function is also recommended.


Q: Can Redac be crushed or split?

Official administration guidelines describe that the film-coated tablets should be swallowed whole with water. Regulatory instructions explicitly advise that they should not be crushed or chewed.


Q: Do patients generally tolerate Redac well?

Research studies that evaluated the medicine in routine clinical practice settings found that its tolerability was generally confirmed, with a relatively low reported incidence of side effects in the populations studied.

How should Redac be stored and disposed of?

Storing and Disposing of Redac

Redac (Tenoxicam) must be stored at controlled room temperature, typically between 15^circC and 30^circC. The medicine must be kept in its original container, tightly closed, and protected from light and moisture. Do not refrigerate or freeze Redac.

Stability and Child Safety

For the injectable solution, the official labeling mandates immediate use after reconstitution; the mixed product should not be stored. All forms of Redac must be stored out of the sight and reach of children to prevent accidental ingestion.

Disposal

Do not dispose of Redac in household trash or down the drain. Return all unused, unwanted, or expired medicine to a pharmacist or an authorized drug take-back program to ensure proper pharmaceutical waste handling and environmental protection.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

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