Ibuprofen is classified as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, or NSAID. It is the active ingredient in Advil and Motrin and is primarily prescribed to relieve pain, reduce or prevent inflammation and lower fevers. Ibuprofen works by relieving the symptoms caused by underlying illness or injury, and according to Delmar's Nursing Drug Handbook, it will not alter the course of any disease or affect the rate of healing. Its effectiveness is due to a very specific chain reaction.
Inhibits Cyclooxygenase
Ibuprofen's first action is to inhibit the synthesis of cyclooxygenase. This enzyme, according to the Protein Data Bank, comes in two forms: COX-1 creates prostaglandins used for basic messaging throughout the body and COX-2 creates prostaglandins specifically designed to send pain messages to the brain and trigger inflammation in the tissues. While ibuprofen affects both the COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes, it is the inhibition of COX-2, which enables the medication to act effectively against pain and inflammation.
Prostaglandin Reduction
In addition to reducing pain, a lowering of prostaglandins also triggers an increase in the peripheral blood flow. According to the Delmar Nurse's Handbook, this promotes heat loss and sweating, which results in a reduction of body temperature; this is how ibuprofen relieves fever.
Side Effects
Side effects of any medication are defined as undesirable, but anticipated, effects of a drug or medication. Ibuprofen affects more than just pain and inflammation control centers. The most common side effects are not experienced by all patients, but can include dizziness, rash, nausea, stomach pain and heartburn.
References
- Drugs.com: Ibuprofen
- Protein Data Bank: Cyclooxygenase
- "Delmar Nurse's Drug Handbook, 2009 Edition"; George R. Spratto and Adrienne L. Woods; 2009
