It's naproxen, the little-known "little cousin" of ibuprofen

Among the drugs anti-inflammatory and badgesic Paracetamol and ibuprofen remain the most used and best known products, although, according to available statistics, the most widely purchased badgesic in Spain remains metamizol in its well-known brand, Nolotil.

Each drug has its peculiarities and all the anti-inflammatories are not identical. Among them, ibuprofen is the best known, but it is not the only one. To have some cousins less known, but no less effective. Although belonging to the same family, the beneficial and adverse effects are similar. Among these related drugs is the nrough, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug or NSAID whose color varies depending on the brand of the manufacturer (more than 10 laboratories sell it only in our country).

he naproxenjust like him ibuprofen, derived from phenylpropionic acidand has a very similar (though different) chemical structure to ibuprofen. In fact, they are from the even the family pharmacological, so its effects are similar, although the Naproxen is not usually a drug first-line of use.

Pharmacokinetic differences

The the differences between the two compounds objectify to level of pharmacokineticsalthough not as for its pharmacological action. That is, there are differences in absorption and elimination of the drug, but with respect to the effects experienced when taken (and its potential adverse effects), ibuprofen and naproxen are quite similar.

Both drugs have an action against pain, fever and inflammation. In the case of naproxen, it is considered a anti-inflammatory moderate potency. It is taken orally, but does not exist intramuscularly or intravenously. While it is true that foods reduce their absorption, it should always be taken after eating a type of food, as said food only affect the rate of absorption but not the amount of drug absorbed as such.

Naproxen is metabolized in the liver and is completely eliminated in the urine. In the same way as it happens with anti-inflammatories in general, not recommended its use in people suffering from a type of liver, kidney or gastrointestinal disease. In addition, naproxen sodium should not be taken in people who, for whatever reason, should reduce their sodium intake.

Naproxen in particular is indicated in mild or moderate acute pain. It is usually recommended to take 500 or 550 mg every 12 hours, but its maximum daily dose can be up to 1500 mg (500 mg every 8 hours). There are specific cases, such as secondary gout pain or an elevated uric acid crisis in the joints, where it is possible to take up to 750 mg of naproxen at a time (one tablet and a half), but only 500 doses are usually taken. single mg

In case of pregnancy, ibuprofen and naproxen and its other derivatives are both against-indicated, paracetamol being the badgesic of choice.

The best for menstrual pain

As a last curiosity, Naproxen appears to work well in cases of dysmenorrhea or menstrual painand is the only anti-inflammatory drug that can be prescribed with relative safety people suffering from hypertension and carry a treatment for said disease. Anti-inflammatories are generally contraindicated in this case, given their potential for worsening of blood pressure control, naproxen it's him "less bad" anti-inflammatory in such cases, always on a schedule of 500 mg every 12 hours and with a maximum of 5 days.

Yet, the anti-inflammatory in general, consumed in the long run, showed how Side effects to irritate the gastrointestinal system and damage both the liver and kidneys. Gastric ulcers and haemorrhages following the consumption of anti-inflammatory drugs are more and more frequent, so it is advisable to take any type of anti-inflammatory medication under medical prescription, and as little as possible.