Knowra Ibuprofen Ibuprofen Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug that reduces pain, fever, and inflammation by inhibiting cyclooxygenase enzymes and lowering prostaglandin production.
Cyclooxygenase : Cyclooxygenase enzymes convert arachidonic acid into precursors of prostaglandins and related signaling molecules. Ibuprofen reversibly inhibits COX-1 and COX-2, reducing the production of pain- and inflammation-promoting prostaglandins.
Dysmenorrhea : Dysmenorrhea is painful menstruation, commonly caused by uterine contractions and prostaglandin activity. Ibuprofen can reduce menstrual pain by lowering prostaglandin production.
Gastrointestinal bleeding : Gastrointestinal bleeding is blood loss from any part of the digestive tract. Ibuprofen can increase the risk of ulcers and bleeding, particularly with prolonged use or higher doses.
Aspirin : Aspirin is a salicylate drug that relieves pain and fever and irreversibly inhibits platelet cyclooxygenase. Unlike ibuprofen’s reversible inhibition, aspirin permanently disables platelet COX for the life of each platelet.
Prostaglandin : Prostaglandins are lipid signaling molecules that regulate inflammation, pain, fever, and other bodily functions. Their reduced production accounts for much of ibuprofen’s pain-relieving, fever-reducing, and anti-inflammatory action.
Fever : Fever is a regulated rise in body temperature, usually triggered by infection or inflammation. Ibuprofen lowers fever by reducing prostaglandin signaling involved in the hypothalamic temperature response.
Acute kidney injury : Acute kidney injury is a sudden decline in the kidneys’ ability to filter blood and maintain fluid balance. Reduced renal prostaglandins can impair kidney blood flow, especially during dehydration or pre-existing kidney disease.
Naproxen : Naproxen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug used for pain and inflammation, with a longer duration of action than ibuprofen. Both inhibit cyclooxygenase, but naproxen is typically dosed less often.
Arachidonic acid : Arachidonic acid is a polyunsaturated fatty acid that serves as a precursor for several classes of signaling molecules. Cyclooxygenase uses this fatty acid as the starting material for prostaglandin synthesis.
Topical ibuprofen : Topical ibuprofen is ibuprofen formulated for application to the skin, usually for localized musculoskeletal pain. It offers localized treatment with lower systemic exposure than oral formulations, though absorption still occurs.
Show all 22