Does Cymbalta contain acetaminophen? (+3 differences)
By
Ivan Kahwa
Author bio
Mr Ivan Kahwa is a chemist and phytopharmaceutical scientist with expertise in chemistry, pharmacology, phytochemistry, and Nanobiotechnology. He writes and reviews content on these topics.
Mr Ivan Kahwa’s Highlights:
Guest Researcher at the University of Leipzig, Senior Research Fellow/Scientist, and Lecturer at the Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
Professional Experience:
Mr Ivan joined PHARMBIOTRAC as a research fellow/scientist during his master of science tenure. He contributed to the development of most of the phytopharmaceutical products in the project. Furthermore, he participated in carrying out the pharmacological activities of the developed products in laboratory animals such as mice and rats in order to develop proper doses hence leading to pre-clinical studies.
With the above relevant research experience, Ivan started to work with the University of Leipzig on collaborative projects with Mbarara University to develop the chemistry of Ugandan Medicinal plants and their pharmacological activities. This was coupled with several consultative positions by different German NGOs. Mr. Kahwa is also a supporting in the teaching and learning at the Departments of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
With the increase in antimicrobial resistance globally, Ivan retooled his thinking towards developing new naturally derived antibiotic regimens from Ugandan propolis with the assistance of nanotechnology to improve their delivery to microbial cells. Kahwa has also published over 28 articles in peer-reviewed journals and he is currently reviewing for many journals.
Education:
2023-2027: PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences (ongoing) with a focus on Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Nanobiology at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
2022: 2Msc. in Pharmacognosy and Natural Medicine Science at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
2018: Bachelor of Science (Chemistry) at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
Publications:
▪ Iqbal, S., Jabeen, F., Kahwa, I., & Omara, T. 2023. Suberosin Alleviates Thiazolidinedione-Induced Cardiomyopathy in Diabetic Rats by Inhibiting Ferroptosis via Modulation of ACSL4-LPCAT3 and PI3K-AKT Signaling Pathways. Cardiovascular Toxicology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12012-023-09804-7
▪ Gupta, A. K., Yadav, R., Sharma, S., Sawale, J., & Kahwa, I. 2023. Anti-ageing Activity and Antioxidant Activity of Methanol Extracts of Leaves and Flowers of Salvia officinalis and Rosmarinus officinalis. Journal of Young Pharmacists, 15(3), 448–455. https://doi.org/10.5530/jyp.2023.15.60
▪ Tolo, C.U., Kahwa, I., Nuwagira, U., Weisheit, A. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Medicinal plants used in treatment of various diseases in the Rwenzori Region, Western Uganda. Ethnobotany Research and Applications, 25, pp.1-16.
https://ethnobotanyjournal.org/index.php/era/article/view/4683
▪ Kahwa, I., Ajayi, C.O., Yadav, R., Chauhan, N.S., Shah, K., Abdelgadir, A.A., Shegena, E.A., Daniel, S., Omara, T., Asiimwe, J.B. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Pharmacognostic and phytochemical studies as an invaluable approach for correct identification of medicinal plants: The case of Artemisia vulgaris L. substituted for Artemisia annua L. in Western Uganda. TMR Integr Med, 7, p.e23004.
https://doi.org/10.53388/TMRIM202307004
▪ Nalimu, F., Oloro, J., Kahwa, I. and Ogwang, P.E., 2021. Review on the phytochemistry and toxicological profiles of Aloe vera and Aloe ferox. Future Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 7, pp.1-21.
https://doi.org/10.1186/s43094-021-00296-2
▪ Elamin, O.H.S., Ali, M.A., Elgezuli, I.A.A., Bashir, M.A. and Kahwa, I., 2021. Diagnosis of pre-and post-treatment of echinococcus granulosus with counter current immune electrophoresis and bacterial co-agglutination. Journal of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, 11(02), pp.88-94.
https://doi.org/10.5799/jmid.951600
Published book Chapter
▪ Kahwa, I., Ayesiga, I., Nakalema, S., Alinaiswe, R., Mbabazi, R. and Iqbal, S., 2023. Natural products in the management of onchocerciasis. In Natural Products in Vector-Borne Disease Management (pp. 63-80). Academic Press. Book Chapter.
https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-91942-5.00012-4
Submitted manuscripts Under Review:
▪ Comparison of the Wound Healing Activity of the Leaf and Leaf Ash Extracts of Vernonia amygdalina in Rats. Journal name: Clinical Phytoscience
▪ Ethnobotanical Survey of Medicinal plants used in the management of cancer in Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Herbal Medicine
▪ Ethnobotanical survey and phytochemical screening of medicinal plants used in treatment of epilepsy by PROMETRA-Uganda Traditional Health Practitioners in Mpigi District, Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Ethnopharmacology
Submitted book chapters under review
1.Book title: Algae as a Natural Solution for Water-Food-Energy Nexus, Section 4: Microalgae and cyanobacteria for food applications, Chapter 4.6: Safety, toxicological and allergenic aspects of using algae for food. Authors: Christine Kyarimpa, Tom Omute, Caroline K. Nakiguli, Alice V. Khanakwa4, Christopher Angiro, Ivan Kahwa, Fortunate Ahumuza, Timothy Omara*. Publisher: Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 152 Beach Road, #21-01/04 Gateway East, Singapore 189721, Singapore.
2.Book title: Nutraceuticals Inspiring the Contemporary Therapy for Lifestyle Diseases. Chapter: Nutraceutical applications of Seaweeds and their Phytocompounds in Nutrition and Treatment of Diseases. Authors: Ivan Kahwa, Timothy Omara , Innocent Ayesiga , Gael Noel Neh Neba Ambe , Zehbanaz Javidbhai Panwala , Rachel Mbabazi , Shabnoor Iqbal , Christine Kyarimpa , Christine Betty Nagawa , Kamal Shah ,Nagendra Singh Chauhan* Publisher: CRC Press
You can view my works on the following professional sites:
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ivan-Kahwa
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=tOwrvqoAAAAJ&hl=en
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6440-3437
Linkedin: https://de.linkedin.com/in/ivan-kahwa-865450159
In this article, we will discuss whether Cymbalta contains acetaminophen. We will also discuss the key differences between Cymbalta and acetaminophen including their mechanism of action, therapeutic uses, and side effects.
Does Cymbalta contain acetaminophen?
No, Cymbalta does not contain acetaminophen. Cymbalta is a brand name for an antidepressant drug known as duloxetine. The typical formulation of Cymbalta contains duloxetine hydrochloride as an active ingredient whereas different binders, fillers, diluents, and disintegrants may be added to the formulations as inactive ingredients or excipients.
On the other hand, acetaminophen is a completely different drug from duloxetine. It is an analgesic medication and one of the well-known formulations containing acetaminophen is Tylenol. Tylenol is a brand name for various products that incorporate acetaminophen as the primary active component.
How is Cymbalta different from acetaminophen?
Cymbalta is an entirely different medication from acetaminophen. The major differences between Cymbalta and acetaminophen may include their mechanism of action, therapeutic benefits, and side effects.
Mechanism of action
Cymbalta belongs to the class of serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor antidepressant medications. It works by interfering with the levels of norepinephrine and serotonin in the brain. The increased levels of these neurotransmitters are involved in the regulation of mood and behavior in individuals with underlying mental disorders (1).
On the other hand, acetaminophen works by selectively inhibiting the enzyme cyclooxygenase (COX), primarily in the central nervous system. This inhibition reduces the synthesis of prostaglandins, associated with pain and fever. Unlike NSAIDs, acetaminophen’s COX inhibition is believed to be more central, contributing to its analgesic and antipyretic effects. Additionally, it may play a role in inhibiting COX in peripheral tissues (3).
Therapeutic uses
The therapeutic uses of Cymbalta and acetaminophen are different from each other. Cymbalta is frequently prescribed in the management of various medical conditions such as (1),
- depression
- anxiety
- fibromyalgia
- joint pain
- muscle aches
- chronic back pain
- obsessive-compulsive disorders
- panic disorders
- social anxiety
On the other hand, Acetaminophen is commonly utilized in the management of pain associated with various conditions, as well as it helps to lower elevated body temperature in the presence of fever. The following are the common indications for the use of this medication (4):
- headaches
- dental pain
- fever
- muscle ache
- pain related to osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis
- common cold and flu
It’s important to note that while acetaminophen is a safe medication, its use should always be in accordance with recommended dosages, and individuals should be mindful of potential interactions with other medications or pre-existing health conditions.
Side effects
Cymbalta is generally considered a safe and tolerated medication. It is less likely to cause serious side effects even at higher dosages. Some of the mild to moderate side effects of Cymbalta, that may occur in individuals taking this medication may include (2),
- nausea
- vomiting
- headaches
- fatigue
- dry mouth
- sleep disturbances
- appetite changes
- dizziness
- drowsiness
- tachycardia
- electrolyte disturbances
- agitation
- confusion
Acetaminophen, on the other hand, is generally well-tolerated when used as directed. Its side effects are primarily associated with high or prolonged doses, potentially leading to liver damage, allergic reactions, and gastrointestinal issues (4).
Can you combine Cymbalta with acetaminophen?
Combining Cymbalta and acetaminophen is generally considered safe when taken according to the instructions. These medications work differently and usually do not interact negatively with each other.
However, it is important to take into account one’s individual health conditions, possible interactions with other medications, and the total dosage of acetaminophen to avoid exceeding recommended limits.
High doses of acetaminophen can lead to liver damage, and combining it with Cymbalta should be done with caution, especially for those with pre-existing liver conditions.
However, It is always recommended to consult with a healthcare provider before combining medications and inform them of all the medications, including over-the-counter ones, that you are taking. This ensures personalized advice based on your health profile and helps prevent potential adverse effects.
To my knowledge, the formulation of Cymbalta does not contain acetaminophen. However, in clinical practice, healthcare professionals often prescribe a combination of Cymbalta and acetaminophen for conditions requiring both antidepressant effects and pain relief.
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References
1.-
Dhaliwal JS, Spurling BC, Molla M. Duloxetine. [Updated 2023 May 29]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK549806/
2.-
Wernicke JF, Gahimer J, Yalcin I, Wulster-Radcliffe M, Viktrup L. Safety and adverse event profile of duloxetine. Expert Opin Drug Saf. 2005 Nov;4(6):987-93. doi: 10.1517/14740338.4.6.987. PMID: 16255658. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16255658/
3.-
Aronoff DM, Oates JA, Boutaud O. New insights into the mechanism of action of acetaminophen: Its clinical pharmacologic characteristics reflect its inhibition of the two prostaglandin H2 synthases. Clin Pharmacol Ther. 2006 Jan;79(1):9-19. doi: 10.1016/j.clpt.2005.09.009. PMID: 16413237. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16413237/
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