Compounded Amlexanox: Novel Uses for an Old Drug

Author: Ivy Garza, PharmD, RPh

Do you suffer from a chronic disease that is difficult to treat? Do you have asthma, allergic rhinitis, diabetes, obesity, eczema or ED? Do you want to help strengthen your immune system?

Discovering new uses for older drugs is not all that unusual. Sildenafil (Viagra) was originally used to treat angina but is now used for erectile dysfunction. Minoxidil (Rogaine), a drug that promotes hair growth, was developed as a blood pressure medication.

Amlexanox is another old drug that is getting renewed attention and new uses. Its anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic and immune-balancing properties have made compounded amlexanox a promising option for a wide range of conditions, including chronic diseases that have not responded well to other treatments. Amlexanox’s uses range from metabolic disease and mast cell stabilization to immunomodulation and correction of gene expression.

What Is Compounded Amlexanox?

Previously branded as Apthasol® oral paste, amlexanox was originally used topically to treat recurrent aphthous ulcers (canker sores) in the mouth. In other countries, such as Japan, amlexanox is being used to successfully treat asthma, allergic rhinitis and conjunctivitis. It has also been found to be clinically effective for atopic conditions such as eczema. Most importantly, amlexanox plays a strong role in balancing the immune system and improving difficult-to-treat inflammatory conditions.

Although amlexanox is no longer available in the U.S. as a commercial product, it is available as a compounded product. Physicians Preference Pharmacy formulates this novel and versatile drug into oral capsules, which are taken once a day to treat a range of health challenges.

Benefits/Uses of Amlexanox

Obesity, diabetes and metabolic disorders: Stimulates fat burning, reduces insulin resistance, stimulates the mitochondria and decreases inflammation.

Erectile dysfunction: Promotes maintenance of erections due to PDE-5 inhibition (the target of Viagra and related drugs).

Long-haul syndrome: Reduces brain fog, improves oxygen delivery to the lungs, reduces histamine release and associated inflammation.

Longevity: Reduces inflammation, promotes autophagy (normal cellular cleanup) via the mTOR pathway, an important regulator of metabolism.

Asthma and allergies: Inhibits histamine release from mast cells and reduces allergic responses, decreases inflammation and promotes relaxation and opening of the airways.

Cardiovascular disease: Reduces blood pressure, improves circulation and lowers cholesterol.

Neurodegeneration: Decreases inflammation and oxidative stress in the brain.

Mast cell stabilizer: Reduces release of histamine and inflammatory mediators in mast cells, neutrophils and monocytes.

Psoriasis and other autoimmune diseases: Reduces inflammation, modulates macrophages and balances Th1 and Th2 cells, which are involved in autoimmunity.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and liver cirrhosis: Activates AMPK and reduces inflammation.

Genetic diseases: May correct gene expression in cystic fibrosis and Duchenne muscular dystrophy (progressive muscle degeneration).

Could You Benefit From Amlexanox?

If you are dealing with a chronic inflammatory condition, an autoimmune disease, allergies, mast cell activation syndrome, a metabolic disorder (obesity, diabetes, etc.) or another stubborn chronic disease, talk to your doctor about amlexanox. It is safe, well tolerated and no side effects have been reported.

Physicians Preference Pharmacy Compounds Amlexanox  

Physicians Preference Pharmacy’s standards are more stringent than those of the United States Pharmacopeia (USP). In addition to onsite weight testing, we send multiple samples per week to an outside laboratory for potency testing. Physicians Preference Pharmacy ranks first in Houston for the number of samples sent for potency testing and in the top 8% of pharmacies nationwide.

Physicians Preference Pharmacy is a Houston-based, PCAB-accredited compounding pharmacy serving physicians and patients since 2001. We are licensed to work with doctors and ship to patients in 48 states (excludes NV, AL).

For more information on amlexanox or to speak with a pharmacist about this versatile compounded medication, please contact Physicians Preference Pharmacy at 281-828-9088. It will be our privilege to serve you!