From the Research
Loxoprofen is a more suitable option for patients with pain and inflammation compared to ibuprofen, due to its potentially lower risk of gastrointestinal side effects and comparable analgesic efficacy, as shown in a study published in 2016 1.
Key Points to Consider
- Loxoprofen and ibuprofen are both non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) used to treat pain and inflammation.
- Loxoprofen has a faster onset of action and may provide more potent pain relief at standard doses compared to ibuprofen.
- The typical dose for loxoprofen is 60mg taken up to three times daily, while ibuprofen is usually taken at 200-400mg every 4-6 hours.
- Loxoprofen is believed to cause fewer gastrointestinal side effects than ibuprofen, making it potentially more suitable for patients with sensitive stomachs or a history of ulcers.
- However, loxoprofen is not widely available in many countries, including the United States, where it lacks FDA approval, while ibuprofen is readily available over-the-counter worldwide.
Benefits of Loxoprofen Over Ibuprofen
- Lower risk of gastrointestinal side effects, as shown in a study published in 2016 1.
- Comparable analgesic efficacy to ibuprofen, as demonstrated in a study published in 2016 1.
- Faster onset of action, with loxoprofen typically taking effect within 30 minutes, compared to 1-2 hours for ibuprofen.
Important Considerations
- Both medications should be taken with food to minimize stomach irritation.
- Neither medication should be used long-term without medical supervision due to potential cardiovascular and renal risks.
- The choice between loxoprofen and ibuprofen should be based on availability, individual response, and specific medical conditions.
Recent Studies
- A 2020 review of ibuprofen's safety profile found that it has a relatively low risk of gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and renal adverse effects compared to other NSAIDs 2.
- A 2016 study on non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for chronic low back pain found that NSAIDs, including ibuprofen, are slightly more effective than placebo in reducing pain intensity and disability, but the magnitude of the effects is small and the level of evidence is low 3.