VICKS fever and pain ® Ibuprofen

VICKS fever and pain ® is a drug based on ibuprofen sodium dihydrate

THERAPEUTIC GROUP: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory and antirheumatic drugs

IndicationsAction mechanismStudies and clinical effectiveness Usage and dosage instructionsWarnings Pregnancy and lactationInteractionsContraindicationsUndesirable effects

Indications VICKS fever and pain ® Ibuprofen

VICKS fever and pain ® is indicated in the treatment of inflammatory and painful conditions of various nature and as a therapeutic adjuvant in the treatment of febrile and flu states.

Mechanism of action VICKS fever and pain ® Ibuprofen

Ibuprofen, the synthetic active ingredient belonging to the family of phenylpropionic derivatives, is a drug with a strong anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity, mediated by the ability to significantly reduce the synthesis of prostaglandins.

The aforementioned biological activity, carried out through the inhibition of cyclooxygenases, enzymes able to convert, above all under conditions of stress and traumatism, membrane phospholipids such as arachidonic acid in molecules with pro-inflammatory activity such as prostaglandins, is concretized macroscopically in an analgesic, antipyretic and clearly anti-inflammatory activity.

Indirectly, the reduction of edema and the classic signs of phlogosis, including tissue damage induced by proteolytic enzymes and cytokines, allow the completion of the preventive and symptomatological action of VICKS fever and pain ®.

The therapeutic effect of ibuprofen, even greater than that of salicylates, is facilitated by the excellent pharmacokinetic properties that guarantee rapid absorption after oral administration, thus achieving maximum plasma levels in just 45 minutes.

This kinetics, inevitably altered by the possible presence of foods capable of interfering with the intestinal absorption of ibuprofen, ends with a hepatic metabolism and renal excretion.

Studies carried out and clinical efficacy

1. IBUPROFENE AND CARCINOMA DEL COLON

J Pharmacol Exp Ther. 2011 Jun; 337 (3): 876-86. Epub 2011 Mar 21.

Experimental study that seeks to characterize the therapeutic activity of ibuprofen derivatives such as phospho-ibuprofen. In this case the results, completely experimental, show a potential anticancer role against colon cancer.

2. IBUPROPHENES AND GLUTATION IN ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE

Arch Pharm (Weinheim). 2011 Mar; 344 (3): 139-48.

Very interesting work that shows how the simultaneous intake of ibuprofen and glutathione can contribute to greater neuronal protection in Alzheimer's disease. The aforementioned activity appears to be carried out by the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant action of the two active ingredients, necessary to preserve cellular vitality.

3. IBUPROFENE TO PARKINSON'S DISEASE

Neurology. 2011 Mar 8; 76 (10): 863-9. Epub 2011 Mar 2.

Further study that seeks to characterize the neuroprotective effects of ibuprofen also in Parkinsons disease. This potential therapeutic activity would see the basic neuro-inflammatory process present in these conditions as a basic mechanism of action.

Method of use and dosage

VICKS fever and pain ®

256 mg effervescent tablets of ibuprofen sodium dihydrate, equivalent to 200 mg of ibuprofen.

The therapeutic scheme for the treatment of inflammatory and pain states includes the maximum intake of 1200 mg of ibuprofen per day to be taken in several administrations, although excellent benefits can be observed even at lower doses.

It is therefore recommended to adjust the doses taken to the severity of the clinical picture and to the patient's state of health, starting the treatment preferably with the minimum effective dose.

The tablet should be dissolved in a glass of drinking water quickly.

Warnings VICKS fever and pain ® Ibuprofen

Although VICKS fever and pain ® can be sold without medical prescription, it would be advisable to consult your doctor before taking ibuprofen, especially in the presence of particular pathologies.

More precisely elderly patients, or those suffering from renal, hepatic, gastric and coagulative diseases, should take VICKS fever and pain ® only after consulting their doctor, who will have to evaluate the cost / benefit ratio, monitoring the degree of functionality of the aforementioned organs .

In order to reduce the incidence of side effects it is recommended to take the minimum dose of ibuprofen, necessary to guarantee a remission of the symptoms.

In the event that signs and symptoms of toxicity appear, it is recommended to consult your doctor immediately, suspending therapy.

VICKS fever and pain ® contains sucrose therefore particular caution is recommended in patients suffering from diabetes or from glucose / galactose malabsorption syndromes.

PREGNANCY AND BREASTFEEDING

Prostaglandins are known to play a key role in the processes of cell proliferation and differentiation, allowing the development of the embryo first and the fetus later.

In light of these evidences it can therefore be understood quite easily how the intake of NSAIDs (prostaglandin synthesis inhibitors) during pregnancy, can compromise the correct fetal development, leading to the appearance of malformations and abortions.

Abuse of NSAIDs in the last gestation period could also complicate childbirth, increasing the risk of bleeding in the pregnant woman and reducing the frequency and intensity of uterine contractions.

Interactions

There are numerous possible drug interactions described by the scientific literature for ibuprofen, although only a few of these take on clinical relevance.

More precisely, the simultaneous intake of ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II antagonists and diuretics, would be able to significantly increase the risk of developing renal pathologies, that of anticoagulants and inhibitors of serotonin re-uptake could determine an increased incidence of bleeding episodes and that of other NSAIDs and corticosteroids, in addition to determining an increase in toxicity, especially gastro-enteric ibuprofen, could alter the normal protective capabilities of the organism.

Contraindications VICKS fever and pain ® Ibuprofen

The use of VICKS fever and pain ® is contraindicated in patients who are hypersensitive to the active ingredient, structurally related molecules and their excipients.

Contraindications also extend to patients suffering from gastric ulcers, gastropathies, liver failure, kidney failure and severe heart failure.

Undesirable effects - Side effects

Despite the symptomatic treatment with ibuprofen, when carried out according to the doses envisaged and for short periods it results free of clinically significant side effects, different clinical trials and a careful post-marketing monitoring show how the abuse of this drug or the intake for periods of particularly long time can determine the appearance of:

nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, gastritis, peptic ulcers and dermatological hypersensitivity reactions.

Clinically even more relevant are some pathological conditions associated with the prolonged intake of ibuprofen, such as to increase the risk of developing kidney diseases, liver diseases and cardiovascular events.