What is the use of FTP 100 Tablet? A Comprehensive Guide to Flupirtine's Pain-Relieving Properties

October 6, 2025 •

3 min read

In many countries, FTP 100 Tablet, which contains the active ingredient flupirtine, is primarily used for the short-term treatment of moderate to severe pain, especially when other analgesics cannot be used. Due to a significant risk of liver toxicity, its use is heavily restricted in some regions, and it has even been withdrawn from the market in others. Before taking this medication, it is crucial to understand its specific applications, mechanism, and serious safety precautions.

Quick Summary

FTP 100 Tablet, containing flupirtine, is an analgesic for short-term, moderate-to-severe pain, including muscle and nerve pain. Its use is restricted due to liver toxicity risks, requiring careful medical supervision and liver monitoring. This medication works by blocking pain signals in the brain and should only be taken as directed by a doctor.

Key Points

Pain Relief: FTP 100 Tablet is an analgesic used to treat moderate to severe acute and chronic pain, including musculoskeletal, nerve, and postoperative pain.
Active Ingredient: The active compound is flupirtine, a non-opioid pain reliever that acts on the central nervous system.
Liver Toxicity Risk: Use of flupirtine carries a significant risk of serious liver damage, which led to its withdrawal in regions like the European Union.
Restricted Use: Due to safety concerns, the medication's use is often limited to a short duration (e.g., two weeks) and only for patients unable to take alternative painkillers.
Requires Monitoring: Regular monitoring of liver function is essential for patients taking FTP 100.
Side Effects: Common side effects include fatigue, dizziness, nausea, and digestive issues.
Avoid Alcohol: Combining FTP 100 with alcohol is strongly discouraged, as it increases the risk of liver damage and drowsiness.

Understanding the Primary Use of FTP 100 Tablet

FTP 100 Tablet is an analgesic prescribed for the management of moderate to severe acute and chronic pain. Its active ingredient, flupirtine, is a non-opioid pain reliever that acts on the central nervous system. It is most commonly used for pain relief in specific medical situations, including:

Musculoskeletal pain: This includes discomfort arising from conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and other joint and muscle-related issues. Some sources specifically note its use for back pain.
Postoperative pain: It can be used to manage pain after surgical procedures, including orthopedic surgery.
Nerve pain (neuralgia): Flupirtine is effective against certain types of nerve-related pain.
Menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea): It can be prescribed to relieve the painful abdominal cramps associated with menstruation.
Headaches: The medication can help alleviate certain types of headaches.

The Mechanism of Action: How FTP 100 Works

Flupirtine operates through a distinct mechanism. It is classified as a selective neuronal potassium channel opener (SNEPCO). This action stabilizes nerve cell membrane potential, inhibiting pain signal transmission to the brain and decreasing pain perception. It also has indirect NMDA receptor antagonist and GABAA receptor modulatory properties.

Critical Safety Warnings and Regulatory Status

Flupirtine has a significant risk of serious liver injury. This has led to restrictions and even withdrawal from the market in many regions, such as the European Union.

Therefore, FTP 100 is typically used short-term (often up to two weeks) and only when other painkillers are unsuitable. Regular liver function tests are necessary before and during treatment. Symptoms of liver damage, like nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, or yellow-colored urine, require immediate medical attention.

Comparison of FTP 100 (Flupirtine) and NSAIDs

Flupirtine may be prescribed for patients unable to take NSAIDs like ibuprofen. Below is a table highlighting key differences:


Feature	FTP 100 (Flupirtine)	NSAIDs (e.g., Ibuprofen)
Primary Mechanism	Inhibits pain signals via potassium channels.	Inhibits prostaglandins, reducing pain and inflammation.
Effect on Pain	Treats moderate to severe pain, including nerve and muscle pain.	Treats mild to moderate pain and inflammation.
Primary Safety Concern	Significant risk of liver toxicity.	Risk of gastrointestinal issues, cardiovascular events, and kidney damage.
Gastric Impact	Generally considered safer for the stomach.	Higher risk of gastric irritation.
Regulatory Status	Restricted or withdrawn due to liver risk.	Widely available, with general precautions.

Potential Side Effects and Precautions

FTP 100 can cause side effects. Common ones include nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, constipation, and heartburn. Serious liver-related side effects like dark urine and jaundice are a major concern. Alcohol should be avoided while taking FTP 100 as it increases the risk of liver damage and drowsiness. Abruptly stopping the medication after long-term use can cause withdrawal symptoms.

Conclusion: A Restricted Analgesic

FTP 100 Tablet, containing flupirtine, is an analgesic for moderate to severe pain, particularly when NSAIDs are unsuitable. However, due to the significant risk of liver toxicity, its use is restricted and requires close medical monitoring. Patients must follow their doctor's instructions strictly, including treatment duration and liver function monitoring. The decision to use FTP 100 should be made with a medical professional who can assess the risks and benefits.

An authoritative source for more medical information on Flupirtine can be found in the National Center for Biotechnology Information's StatPearls database on Fluoxetine, which includes relevant information on drug classes and safety considerations related to the central nervous system.

Frequently Asked Questions

The main active ingredient in FTP 100 Tablet is flupirtine. Some variants, such as FTP Plus, may also include paracetamol.

No, due to the risk of severe liver toxicity, the use of FTP 100 is often restricted to short-term treatment (e.g., no more than two weeks) and is not recommended for long-term use.

No, FTP 100 Tablet (flupirtine) is a pain reliever and is not used to treat depression or anxiety. It is important not to confuse it with similarly named antidepressants like Fluoxetine or Frext.

You should stop taking the medication immediately and contact your doctor if you experience any symptoms of liver disease, such as yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), dark urine, nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain.

Unlike NSAIDs, which reduce inflammation, flupirtine primarily works by blocking the transmission of pain signals in the brain via a different mechanism, making it a suitable alternative for some patients who cannot tolerate NSAIDs.

No, you should avoid drinking alcohol while taking FTP 100. Alcohol can significantly increase the risk of liver damage, a known side effect of flupirtine, and can also increase drowsiness.

FTP 100 Tablet is generally not recommended for children under 12 years of age. Any use in pediatric patients must be strictly determined and supervised by a doctor.