Summary: Nonsteroidal Anti-Acids

There are some of the most useful nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are structurally derived from arylacetic acids. These compounds are often referred to as the “profens” based on the suffix of the prototype member, ibuprofen. These agents are all strong organic acids (pKa = 3-5) and consequently form water soluble salts with alkaline reagents. All of these compounds are mostly ionized at physiologic pH and more lipophilic than ASA or salicylic acid.

In order to increases cyclooxygenase inhibitory activity and reduces toxicity of the profens, the α-CH3 substitutent present in the profens. The α-carbon in these compounds is chiral and the S-(+)- enantiomer of the profens is the more potent cyclooxygenase inhibitor. 3 Most of the

Ibuprofen is known as (2RS)-1[4-(2-methylpropyl) phenyl] propanoic acid. It is a non-selective inhibitor of cyclo-oxygenase-1 (COX-1) and Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). 1 It may has weaker anti-inflammatory properties than some of other NSAIDs. However, it has a noticeable analgesic and antipyretic function. The inhibitory actions on cyclo-oxygenases are involved in the synthesis of prostaglandins. Prostaglandins have an important role in the production of pain, inflammation and fever. 1

Ibuprofen is used to reduce fever and treat pain or inflammation caused by many conditions such as headache, toothache, back pain, arthritis, menstrual cramps, or minor injury.

Ibuprofen is taken at the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible time in order to reduce side effects. The dosage of ibuprofen for children is based on the child's weight.
Ibuprofen is provided as tablets or suspension with a potency of 200 to 800 mg. Generally, the dose used is 400 to 800 mg three times per day. It has good absorption through oral administration route. It is rapidly bio-transformed with a serum half-life of 1.8 to 2 hours.1 Ibuprofen is eliminated through metabolism. It can be eliminated entirely in 24 hours after the last dose. The drug is more than 99% protein bound, extensively metabolized in the liver and little is excreted unchanged. 1
Ibuprofen should be avoided if patients are allergic to it, or if patients have ever had an asthma attack or severe allergic reaction after taking aspirin or an NSAID. Patients with heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, a history of heart attack, stroke, a history of stomach ulcers or bleeding, asthma, liver or kidney disease, a connective tissue disease such as Marfan syndrome, Sjogren's syndrome, or lupus should consult a doctor or pharmacist to ensure that ibuprofen is safe to use. Taking ibuprofen during the last 3 months of pregnancy may harm the unborn baby. 2 Therefore, ibuprofen should not be taken without a doctor's advice if you are