Ibuprofen: Pharmacology, Therapeutics and Side Effects

Ibuprofen is one of the most successful drugs used worldwide for the treatment of mild to moderate pain and various inflammatory conditions, even in a low-dose form for over-the-counter (OTC), non-prescription sale. Over the past 40 years, ibuprofen has been proven to be as safe or safer and just as effective as established non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or coxibs.

This book reviews the pharmacology, clinical uses and adverse effects of ibuprofen. Its disposition and unique modes of action in relation to clinical effects are discussed as well as various formulations and the impact of food and other variables on its actions and gastro-intestinal safety. The use of combinations of ibuprofen with other drugs (e.g. paracetamol, codeine and caffeine) are critically assessed. There are already some indications of potential therapeutic benefits of the drug combinations in treating certain painful conditions, while still retaining the relative safety benefits of ibuprofen (at least at OTC dosages). The impact of natural products and Chinese Medicines on the safety of ibuprofen is also reviewed. The book is written in a more general style, including explanatory diagrams, for anyone interested in the properties, actions and uses of ibuprofen.