Ibuprofen

Class NSAID
Chemistry
Aryl-propionic acid
Routes of administration

Oral, PR, IV is available in some places

Absorption
Rapidly absorbed; oral bioavailability is close to 100%
Solubility
pKa 4.9; quite lipid soluble and poorly water soluble
Distribution
VOD-0.1L/kg; 99% protein bound (to albumin)
Metabolism
Almost 100% of the dose is metabolised in the liver: oxidation into water-soluble inactive metabolites
Elimination
All products of metabolism are renally excreted
Time course of action
Half-life is 1.8 to two hours (duration of COX inhibition is much longer)
Target receptor

COX-1 and COX-2 isoforms of the cycloxygenase enzyme

Mechanism of action

Inhibition of cyclooxygenase enzymes leads to decreased synthesis of prostaglandins, which decreases the vascular regional response to inflammation, and decreases the sensitivity of peripheral nociceptors. COX-1 inhibition also leads to the dysregulation of vascular antihrombotic effects of PGI2 and to the decreased secretion of bicarbonate and mucus in the gastric mucosa

Clinical effects

COX-1 inhibitor and nonselective NSAID side effects: GI ulceration (decreased gastric mucosal pH and mucus synthesis) Acute kidney injury (microvascular renal dysfunction) COX-2 inhibitor side effects: Anti-inflammatory activity is mainly due to COX-2 inhibition Prothrombotic side effects are due to COX-2 inhibition CCF exacerbation and hypertnesion

Literature reference

TGA PI document

CICM details of understanding Not specifically listed in the CICM syllabus
Mentioned around Deranged Physiology
Related SAQs