Dexibuprofen

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. Dexibuprofen acts by inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis. Dexibuprofen is absorbed primarily from the small intestine and excreted mainly by the kidneys (90%).

• Relief of signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoidal disorders (osseous rheumatism, ankylosing spondylitis, juvenile arthritis, muscular rheumatism, degenerative joint diseases)
• Acute symptomatic treatment of primary dysmenorrhoea
• Common headache and fever
• Symptomatic treatment of mild to moderate pain (muscle pain, headache, dental pain)
• Adjuvant with common cold and influenza associated with headache

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. Dexibuprofen acts by inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis.

Dexibuprofen inhibits cyclo-oxygenase enzyme, reducing prostaglandin synthesis, thereby decreasing pain and inflammation.

Adult: 600-900 mg daily in 2-3 divided doses; may increase to 1200 mg daily for acute conditions (max 400 mg/dose, 1200 mg/day).
Dysmenorrhoea: 600-900 mg daily in 2-3 divided doses.
Elderly: Lowest effective dose; may increase to adult dose if well tolerated.
Hepatic/Renal impairment: Mild-moderate: start with low doses and monitor closely; severe: do not use.

Take with food (to avoid stomach upset). Swallow the tablet whole, do not chew, crush or break.

If you miss a dose of Dexibuprofen, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double the dose.

Common: Dyspepsia, diarrhea, fatigue, headache, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, hypersensitivity reactions, bleeding, ulcer.

May affect driving ability (drowsiness, dizziness, visual disturbances). Avoid alcohol (increases risk of stomach problems). Do not take antacids within 2 hours of Dexibuprofen. Caution in heart disease, stroke, peptic ulcer, liver and kidney disease, bronchial asthma, allergy, systemic lupus or autoimmune disease.

Hypersensitivity to aspirin or NSAIDs; active or suspected GI ulcer or history; GI bleeding or other active bleeding; active Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis; haemorrhagic diasthesis and other coagulation disorders or patients receiving anticoagulant therapy; severe heart failure, renal or hepatic impairment (GFR <30 ml/min); child <18 years; pregnancy (third trimester).

Anticoagulants, other NSAIDs, salicylates: Avoid concomitant use.
Methotrexate, lithium: Increased risk of toxicity.
Anticoagulants, hydantoins, sulfonamides, ticlopidine, ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, cyclosporine, tacrolimus, corticosteroids, digoxin, pentoxifylline, probenecid, sulfinpyrazone, sulfonylureas, thiazide diuretics, zidovudine: Interactions may occur.

It is unsafe to consume alcohol with Dexibuprofen (increases risk of stomach problems).

Pregnancy Category C. Dexibuprofen may be unsafe during pregnancy. Although no teratogenic impact observed in animal studies, use during late pregnancy should be avoided due to effects on fetal cardiovascular system.

Use with caution during breastfeeding. Racemic ibuprofen is excreted in breast milk in small to negligible amounts.

Not licensed for use in children under 18 years in the UK (some countries permit use in children aged 6 years and over at 10-15 mg/kg/day).

Elderly patients should use the lowest effective dose; may increase to adult dose if well tolerated.

Renal impairment: Use with caution. Mild-moderate impairment: start with low doses; severe: do not use. Regular monitoring of kidney function tests is advised.
Hepatic impairment: Use with caution. Mild-moderate impairment: start with low doses and monitor closely; severe: do not use.

Dexibuprofen has low acute toxicity. Symptoms occur at 80-100 mg/kg. Mild symptoms: abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, lethargy, headache, tinnitus, ataxia. Moderate-severe: flatulence, hypotension, hypothermia, metabolic acidosis, coma, apnoea. Treatment is symptomatic; no specific antidote. Activated charcoal; dialysis is of little value.

Do not store above 30°C. Keep away from light and out of reach of children.

Dexibuprofen