Dexibuprofen (S (+)-ibuprofen) is considered as the pharmacologically active enantiomer of racemic ibuprofen. Like racemic ibuprofen, Dexibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug with analgesic action. Like ibuprofen, Dexibuprofen acts by inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis.
Pharmacokinetics: Dexibuprofen is absorbed primarily from the small intestine. After metabolic transformation in the liver (hydroxylation, carboxylation) the pharmacologically inactive metabolites are completely excreted, mainly by the kidneys (90%), but also in the bile. The elimination half-life is 1.8-3.5 hours; the plasma protein binding is about 99%. Maximum plasma levels are reached about 2 hours after oral administration. The administration of dexibuprofen with a meal delays the time to reach maximum concentrations (from 2.1 hours after fasting conditions to 2.8 hours after non-fasting conditions) and decreases the maximum plasma concentrations (from 20.6 to 18.1 mcg/ml, which is of no clinical relevance), but has no effect on the extent of absorption.
Dexibuprofen is indicated in-
The relief of sign and symptoms of osteoarthritis.
Indicated in rheumatoidal disorders such as osseous rheumatism, ankylosing spondilitis, juvenile arthritis, muscular rheumatism, degenerative joint diseases
Acute symptomatic treatment of painful menstruation (primary dysmenorrhoea)
Common headache and fever
Symptomatic treatment of mild to moderate pain, such as muscle pain, headache and dental pain
As an adjuvant with common cold and influenza associated with headache.
The reported drug interactions of Dexibuprofen are similar to that of racemic mixture of ibuprofen. Drug interactions is noticed with simultaneous use of anticoagulant, hydantoine and sulfonamide, ticlopidine, lithium, other NSAID's, ACE inhibitors, beta blockers, cyclosporine, tacrolimus, corticosteroids, digoxin, methotrexate, pentoxyfiline, phenytoine, probenecid, sulfinpyrazon, sulfonylurea, thiazide and thiazide type diuretics, and zidovudine.
Dexibuprofen is contraindicated in patients with previous history of hypersensitivity to Dexibuprofen, or another NSAID, or any other component of the product. Patients, who experience attack of asthma, arouse bronchospasm, acute rhinitis, urticaria or edema after use of similar drugs (e.g. aspirin or other NSAID's). It is also contraindicated in patients with active or suspected hemorrhage, Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, patients with serious heart diseases, kidney function impairment (GFR <30ml/min), and liver function impairment.
Clinical experience has shown that adverse effects of Dexibuprofen are similar to those of racemic ibuprofen. Common side-effects are dyspepsia, diarrhea, fatigue, and headache, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, hypersensitivity reactions - bleeding, ulcer.
Pregnancy: Although no teratogennic impact has been observed in the animal-experimental research with dexibuprofen or ibuprofen, the use should be avoided during the pregnancy. However, animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response. Because of the known effects of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs on the fetal cardiovascular system (closure of ductus arteriosus), use during late pregnancy should be avoided.
Lactation: Studies at people have shown that racimic ibuprofen proceed in small to negligible degree in mother milk. So, Dexibuprofen should be used with cautions in nursing mothers.
Dexibuprofen should be used with particular caution in patients with bronchial asthma or other chronic diseases of the pulmonary tract as well as in persons prone to allergy. The drug should be used in patients with hepatic, renal or cardiac insufficiency and with hypertension not responding to any treatment. Consultation with a doctor is recommended for patients with systemic lupus or with other autoimmunological disease before beginning therapy using the drug. Dexibuprofen should be used with extreme cautions in active and suspected hemorrhagic conditions such as gastro-duodenal ulcers, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, alcoholism. Allergic reactions to the drug may appear even for the first-time user and in such case, it should immediately be stopped.
Hepatic impairment: Patients with mild to moderate liver function impairments must start with low amounts, and must closely be monitored. Dexibuprofen should not be used in patients with serious liver function impairments.
Renal impairment: The start amount must be reduced at patients with mild to moderate kidney function impairments. Dexibuprofen cannot be used patients with serious kidney function impairments.
Children Dose: Although Dexibuprofen is not licensed for use in children under 18 years of age in the UK, some countries permit such use. For example, in Switzerland, Dexibuprofen has been given to children aged 6 years and over at a dose of 10 to 15 mg/kg daily in 2-4 divided doses.
For elderly people: Lowest effective dose is recommended. The dosage can be raised to adult dosage if well tolerated.
Dexibuprofen has low acute toxicities. Symptoms of toxicity occur at doses between 80 and 100 mg/kg body weight. Mild symptoms are abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, lethargy, headache, tinnitus and ataxia. Moderate to serious symptoms, such as flatulence, hypotension, hypothermia, metabolic acidosis, reduced kidney function, coma, and apnoea. The treatment must be symptomatic: there is no specific antidote. In case of large quantities of Dexibuprofen, activated charcoal should be administered. Vomiting can be induced only when life-threatening quantities of the substance ingested and the procedure can be carried out within 60 minutes after ingestion. Dialysis and hemodialysis are of little value as Dexibuprofen binds strongly to plasma protein.
