Anti Inflammatory Medicines

Anti Inflammatory Medicines and Ibuprofen

Anti-inflammatory medicines are so important because the airways in a child or adult with asthma may be inflamed or edematous. Anti-inflammatory medicine also causes the lining of the lungs to produce less mucus. Anti-inflammatory medicines that are swallowed, like in a pill or syrup, are taken when you or your child has serious symptoms and they need fast relief. Anti-inflammatory medicines are (NSAIDs) are sometimes also referred to as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents/analgesics (NSAIAs). Of these, the most prominent member of this group of drugs is Ibuprofen (Advil and Motrin).

Ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug and, like aspirin, it is its ability to reduce inflammation which makes it effective in treating headaches, because it is inflammation which helps to generate the nerve signals we perceive as pain. Ibuprofen is known to have an antiplatelet effect, though it is relatively mild and short-lived when compared with that of aspirin or other more well-known antiplatelet drugs. Ibuprofen is a core medicine in the World Health Organization 's "Essential Drugs List ", which is a list of minimum medical needs for a basic health care system. Ibuprofen is eliminated primarily by metabolism in the liver where CYP2C9 mediates the 2- and 3-hydroxylations of R- and S-ibuprofen. Ibuprofen and its metabolites are further conjugated to acyl glucuronides.

Ibuprofen is the generic name of the drug. Many pharmacies will fill your prescription with Advil, Medipren, if one is available, unless you or your doctor specifically asks for Ibuprofen. Ibuprofen is rapidly metabolized and eliminated in the urine. The excretion of ibuprofen is virtually complete 24 hours after the last dose.

Ibuprofen is as effective as indomethacin at closing a PDA in a very preterm or very small newborn, and has fewer adverse effects on kidney function. It may be associated with an increased risk of pulmonary complications including chronic lung disease and rarely pulmonary hypertension. It works by stopping the body's production of a substance that causes pain, fever, and inflammation. Ibuprofen is an effective analgesic. A single dose administration of 400 mg had an NNT of 2.5 (2.4 to 2.7) for at least 50% pain relief over 4 to 6 hours compared with placebo in pain of moderate to severe intensity. Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It may cause an increased risk of serious and sometimes fatal heart and blood vessel problems (eg, heart attack, stroke).

As an NSAID it is believed to work through inhibition of cyclooxygenase (COX), thus inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis. There are at least 2 variants of cyclooxygenase (COX-1 and COX-2).

NSAIDs vary in their potency, duration of action, how they are eliminated from the body, how strongly they inhibit COX-1 and their tendency to cause ulcers and promote bleeding . The more an NSAID blocks COX-1, the greater is its tendency to cause ulcers and promote bleeding. NSAIDs work by inhibiting the cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes COX-1 and COX-2, so preventing the formation of inflammatory prostaglandins from metabolism of arachidonic acid. However, by inhibiting COX-1 they can also cause serious gastrointestinal (GI) side effects and adversely affect platelet function. NSAIDs may cause side effects. The most common are stomach upset, heartburn, and nausea.

Patients must address all medical concerns with their physicians. This article is provided strictly for entertainment use only, has been written by a non-medical expert and must not be relied on.