Saridon is an analgesic combination indicated for the management of headache. The currently global base formulation contains 135 mg of propyphenazone, 260 mg of paracetamol and 55 mg of caffeine.[1] The combination is designed and said to produce effective analgesia with fast onset of action in 15 minutes, as compared to paracetamol, ibuprofen, or aspirin alone.

It was first launched by Roche in 1933, containing initially pyrithyldione and phenacetin, widely used remedies for fever and pain. It often took on the form “A.P.C” (aspirin-phenacetin-caffeine) but Saridon was reformulated in 1981; replacing the original ingredient phenacetin with paracetamol before the US FDA recall in 1983. It is available in more than 80 countries across Europe, Latin America, Asia and Africa.

Indication

Relieve headache and most of temporarily minor pain such as toothache, musculoskeletal pain, and dysmenorrheal/period pain

Pharmacology

Paracetamol is believed to reduce production of prostaglandins in the brain. It can be used to treat moderate pain. Paracetamol has long action in relieving pain.

Propyphenazone is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), it has analgesic effect by inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis, antipyretic effect due to ability to influence the heat-regulating center in brain. It used to treat fever as well as mild to moderate pain. Propyhenazone has fast onset of action of pain.

Caffeine has also an analgesic effect, synergistic in combination with other analgesics. This improves efficacy and allows the use of 40% lower doses for the same effect.

Direction of use

• Adult: 1-2 tablet
• Children 6-12 years old: ½-1 tablet
• Can be given 3 times a day after meals.

Contra indication:

Kidney and liver dysfunction, haemolytic anemia, porphyria, acute hepatitis. Hypersensitive patients to one of the active materials.

Warnings:

Under school age children, pregnancy, patients consuming alcohol.

Adverse reaction:

Skin redness, urticaria, anaphylactic shock