History
In the 1960s, Stewart Adams and John Nicholson at Boots UK Limited sought a superior alternative to aspirin for treating arthritis. Out of 600 drugs, ibuprofen was selected, and Adams accidentally discovered that ibuprofen cured his hangover.
Name
Ibuprofen
Brand names
- Advil
- Motrin
Chemistry
Ibuprofen is similar to [[naproxen]]; both are propionic acid derivatives with similar effects.
Pharmacology
- Competitively inhibits COX, thereby inhibiting prostaglandins (aspirin is a binding, irreversible inhibitor).
- Naproxen can directly inhibit leukocytes and other immune cells, enhancing its anti-inflammatory effects.
- Prostaglandins maintain the patency of the ductus arteriosus. If a baby’s ductus arteriosus remains open, using NSAIDs can inhibit prostaglandins, promoting closure as soon as possible.
Note: If pregnant women use NSAIDs, prostaglandin reduction can cause premature closure.
Side Effects
- Almost none of the common NSAID effects such as anticoagulation or gastric irritation, suitable for patients intolerant to other NSAIDs (see [[aspirin]] side effects for details).
Ibuprofen half-life: 2–4 hours
Naproxen half-life: 14 hours