BRUFEN ® is an Ibuprofen-based drug
THERAPEUTIC GROUP: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory and antirheumatic drugs
Indications BRUFEN ® Ibuprofen
BRUFEN ® is indicated both in the symptomatic treatment of rheumatological diseases including juvenile arthritis and in the treatment of inflammatory and painful states associated with musculoskeletal pathologies, dysmenorrhea, surgical operations, migraines and trauma.
Mechanism of action BRUFEN ® Ibuprofen
BRUFEN ® is a medicine based on ibuprofen, an active ingredient belonging to the family of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs characterized by impressive analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic activity.
Its therapeutic effect is guaranteed by the inhibitory action against prostaglandins, exerted through the enzymatic inhibition of cyclooxygenases, enzymes involved in the metabolism of arachidonic acid, therefore in the synthesis of molecules with pro-inflammatory activity.
Furthermore, the inhibition of this metabolic pathway allows the balance to be shifted towards the synthesis of lipoxins, molecules capable of inhibiting leukocyte adhesion and chemotaxis, actively counteracting the inflammatory process.
In addition to the anti-inflammatory effect, particularly important in the treatment of rheumatic and musculoskeletal pathologies, ibuprofen is also responsible for the analgesic action which allows to extend the therapeutic indications also to headache and migraine, and antipyretic so as to be considered as the second-line drug after paracetamol, also preferable over salicylates.
From a pharmacokinetic point of view, after oral administration, ibuprofen is absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract reaching maximum plasma concentrations after about 45 minutes and distributed to various tissues, especially at the level of the synovium, where it has its therapeutic effect.
After a half-life of about 3 hours and a predominantly hepatic metabolism, the catabolites of ibuprofen are excreted in the urine.
Studies carried out and clinical efficacy
1. THE "IBUPROPHEN IN ADVANCED EXPERIMENTATION
Restor Neurol Neurosci. 2012 Jan 1; 30: 9-19.
Ibuprofen attenuates the inflammatory response and allows formation of migratory neuroblasts from grafted stem cells after traumatic brain injury.
Wallenquist U, Holmqvist K, Hånell A, Marklund N, Hillered L, Forsberg-Nilsson K.
Very interesting experimental study that demonstrates how the anti-inflammatory action of ibuprofen can reduce the lesions linked to traumatic events of the brain, and favor the eventual migration and engraftment of transplanted stem cells.
2 .IBUPROPHEN AND SUPERFICIAL THROMBOPHLEBITIS
J Thromb Haemost. 2012 Feb 23.
A randomized trial of dalteparin compared with ibuprofen for the treatment of superficial thrombophlebitis.
Rathbun SW, Aston CE, Whitsett TL.
Work that demonstrates the efficacy of ibuprofen, even when compared to delta heparin, in reducing pain, the incidence of haemorrhages and thrombus extension in over 70 patients with superficial thrombophlebitis at risk of deep vein thrombosis.
3. IBUPROPHEN, PSYCHOLOGY AND PAIN
Eur J Pain. 2012 Jan 19.
Sex differences in analgesic response to ibuprofen are influenced by expectancy: A randomized, crossover, balanced placebo-designed study.
Butcher BE, Carmody JJ.
Very recent study that demonstrates how the analgesic action of ibuprofen can be significantly modulated by psychological factors. This work underlines how the associated psychological and neuroendocrine aspect can enhance or depress the biological effects of painkillers and anti-inflammatories including ibuprofen.
Method of use and dosage
BRUFEN ®
Coated tablets of 400 mg and 600 mg of ibuprofen;
Granules for oral solution of 600 mg of ibuprofen;
Suppositories from 600 mg of ibuprofen;
10% ibuprofen cream (10 g of active ingredient in 100 g of cream).
The dosage to be used, although limited within the maximum dose of 1800 mg per day, varies significantly from patient to patient based on the physical characteristics and the severity of the clinical picture.
Dosage adjustment is inevitably required in elderly patients or patients with renal insufficiency.
In any case, it would be advisable to use the lowest effective dose, capable of improving the symptoms.
BRUFEN ® Ibuprofen warnings
Treatment with BRUFEN ® should be supervised by your doctor in order to make the therapy effective and safe.
Particular attention should be paid to patients with reduced hepatic and renal function, for whom periodic monitoring of some blood chemistry parameters becomes necessary.
The same caution is also required for patients with severe gastro-intestinal disorders due to the "irritating action of" ibuprofen on the mucous membranes.
Given the epidemiological data, which demonstrate an increased risk of cardiac, vascular and cerebrovascular events associated with long-term therapy with ibuprofen, cardiovascular health status should be monitored, particularly in patients with previous diseases.
BRUFEN ® in tablets contains lactose, therefore it is not recommended in patients with lactose intolerance, glucose-galactose malabsorption syndrome or lactase enzyme deficiency.
BRUFEN ® in cream contains excipients with allergenic and photosensitizing properties, therefore it is advisable to avoid direct exposure to sunlight.
PREGNANCY AND BREASTFEEDING
The use of BRUFEN ® during pregnancy and breastfeeding is not recommended given the numerous studies in the literature that demonstrate the potential side and teratogenic effects of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs on fetal and neonatal health.
Furthermore, it should be considered that taking these drugs close to delivery could increase the risk of bleeding in the mother, while reducing the frequency and intensity of uterine contractions.
Interactions
Although clinical practice has not shown up to now clinically relevant drug interactions, the scientific literature defines a series of active ingredients whose simultaneous intake with ibuprofen could contribute to the onset of possible side effects.
More precisely, the concomitant intake of:
- ACE inhibitors and angiotensin II antagonists, could increase the risk of renal failure;
- Analgesics, could alter the therapeutic profile of diclofenac;
- Antibiotics, given the cytochromial metabolism they undergo, could be associated with the appearance of side effects linked to the unpredictable increase in blood concentrations of the antibacterials used;
- Oral anticoagulants or antidepressants that inhibit serotonin reuptake, would be responsible for an increased risk of bleeding;
- Corticosteroids and other NSAIDs, could determine an increase in the side effects expected for anti-inflammatory therapy, especially on the gastric mucosa;
- Methotrexate, would be potentially toxic, by virtue of the "increase in blood concentrations of this drug.
Contraindications BRUFEN ® Ibuprofen
The intake of BRUFEN ® is contraindicated in patients hypersensitive to the active substance or to one of its excipients, hypersensitive to acetylsalicylic acid and other analgesics, suffering from asthma, nasal polyposis, hepatic, renal and cardiac insufficiency, intestinal bleeding, ulcerative colitis or previous history for the same pathologies.
Undesirable Effects - Side Effects
Although the intake of BRUFEN ® according to the appropriate medical indications is generally well tolerated, the scientific literature and careful post-marketing monitoring have highlighted a series of possible adverse reactions related to the intake of ibuprofen.
These can affect:
- The gastrointestinal tract with nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, colitis, diarrhea, constipation and in the most severe cases gastritis and peptic ulcers;
- The haematological system with thrombocytopenia, neutropenia, haemolytic anemia and reduced hematocrit;
- The nervous system with dizziness, headache, irritability, drowsiness, depression, insomnia, mental confusion and difficulty concentrating;
- Skin with rash, erythema and rashes;
- The cardiovascular system with edema, hypertension and heart failure in the most severe cases.
Note
BRUFEN ® can only be sold with a medical prescription.
The information on BRUFEN ® Ibuprofen published on this page may be out of date or incomplete. For a correct use of this information, see the Disclaimer and useful information page.
