Ibuprofen

Ibuprofen is a drug in the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) class used to treat pain, fever, and inflammation. These include painful menstrual bleeding, migraines, and rheumatoid arthritis. It can be given orally in the form of tablets or capsules, or intravenously. It usually takes about an hour to take effect. In most preparations, ibuprofen is available without a prescription as an "over-the-counter" product.

Pharmacodynamics

NSAIDs such as ibuprofen act by inhibiting cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, which convert arachidonic acid to prostaglandins. These act as the mediators of pain, inflammation and fever. It also inhibits the formation of thromboxane A2 (which stimulates platelet aggregation, leading to the formation of blood clots). Ibuprofen is a non-selective COX inhibitor because it inhibits both isoforms of cyclooxygenase, COX-1 and COX-2. The analgesic, antipyretic, and anti-inflammatory effects of NSAIDs appear to act primarily by inhibiting COX-2. Inhibition of COX-1 is instead responsible for the adverse effects on the gastrointestinal tract.

Pharmacokinetics

After oral administration, the maximum serum concentration is reached after 1-2 hours. Up to 99% of the drug is bound to plasma proteins. Most of the drug is metabolized in the liver and excreted in the urine within 24 hours; 1% of the given dose is excreted in the stool.

Drug interactions

Drinking alcohol while taking Ibuprofen may increase the risk of stomach bleeding.

Ibuprofen may possibly interfere with the antiplatelet effect of low-dose aspirin, possibly making aspirin less effective when used for cardioprotection and stroke prevention.

Side Effects

Adverse effects include:

• Nausea
• Dyspepsia
• Diarrhea
• constipation
• gastrointestinal ulceration/bleeding
• headache
• Dizziness
• Rash
• salt and fluid retention
• Hypertension

Toxicological data

LD50 (rat,oral): 636 mg-kg-1