From the Guidelines
Ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) with analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic properties.
Key Characteristics of Ibuprofen
- It is frequently prescribed for temporary painful conditions, which limits both duration and dose, contributing to its safety profile 1.
- Ibuprofen appears to be safer among other non-selective NSAIDs, particularly when used at doses with low anti-inflammatory activity 1.
- However, when full anti-inflammatory doses are given (e.g., 2.4 g/day), the risk of GI bleeding with ibuprofen is comparable with other NSAIDs 1.
- It is recommended for pain relief, especially for temporary problems like toothaches or headaches, due to its high analgesic effect and low anti-inflammatory action 1.
- Ibuprofen can be used effectively for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis (OA), with efficacy comparable to paracetamol in the short term and almost as efficacious as naproxen 1.
- The safety profile of ibuprofen, especially concerning gastrointestinal complications, is a consideration, but it is generally safer than many other NSAIDs, with ibuprofen being the lowest risk non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug according to some reviews 1.
- Economically, ibuprofen is a cost-effective option compared to other NSAIDs, being three to four times cheaper than diclofenac or naproxen, and it remains a cost-effective alternative to any non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug 1.
- When considering concomitant use with aspirin for cardioprotection, ibuprofen may interfere with aspirin’s ability to irreversibly acetylate the platelet COX-1 enzyme, potentially reducing the protective effect of aspirin on risk for atherothrombotic events, and specific timing of administration is recommended to avoid interaction 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
Ibuprofen Tablets, USP contain the active ingredient ibuprofen, which is (±)-2-(p-isobutylphenyl) propionic acid. Ibuprofen, USP is a white powder with a melting point of 74° to 77°C and is very slightly soluble in water (< 1 mg/mL) and readily soluble in organic solvents such as ethanol and acetone. Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), with the chemical name (±)-2-(p-isobutylphenyl) propionic acid.
- It has analgesic and antipyretic activities.
- The mode of action is not completely understood, but may be related to prostaglandin synthetase inhibition 2, 2.
- The structural formula is represented in the drug label, and it is available in 400 mg, 600 mg, and 800 mg tablets for oral administration 2.
From the Research
Definition and Properties of Ibuprofen
- Ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that has been widely used for pain relief and to reduce inflammation 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.
- It is a racemate, with its physicochemical properties and short plasma-elimination half-life contributing to its relatively low gastrointestinal toxicity 5.
- Ibuprofen works by inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis, which is responsible for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects 5, 7.
Uses and Efficacy of Ibuprofen
- Ibuprofen is effective in treating various conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, gout, and Bartter's syndrome 7.
- It is also used to relieve mild to moderate pain, such as dental pain, headache, dysmenorrhoea, and respiratory symptoms 3, 5.
- Ibuprofen has been shown to be at least as effective as aspirin and more effective than paracetamol in relieving pain 3.
Safety Profile of Ibuprofen
- Ibuprofen is generally considered to be well-tolerated, with a low risk of gastrointestinal complications compared to other NSAIDs 3, 4.
- However, it can cause adverse reactions, such as gastrointestinal adverse effects, renal and hepatic adverse effects, and cardiovascular adverse effects, which are related to dose and patient population 4.
- Ibuprofen may also have toxic, genotoxic, and teratogenic effects, particularly in non-target organisms and in cases of overdose or misuse in humans 6.