ACTIGRIP fever and pain ® Ibuprofen

ACTIGRIP fever and pain ® is a drug based on Ibuprofen lysine salts

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

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

Indications ACTIGRIP fever and pain ® Ibuprofen

ACTIGRIP fever and pain® is indicated in the treatment of pain associated with inflammatory states of various origins.

The efficacy of ACTIGRIP fever and pain ® has also been demonstrated in the treatment, as an adjuvant, of fever and flu.

Mechanism of action ACTIGRIP fever and pain ® Ibuprofen

ACTIGRIP fever and pain ®, is one of the many drugs on the market, belonging to the category of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, containing ibuprofen.

The great clinical success of this active ingredient can be correlated not only to its efficacy, shown to be greater than that of salicylates, but above all to its reduced toxicity on the gastric mucosa, observed through recent endoscopic evidence, which significantly limits the development of gastritis and peptic ulcers.

From the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic point of view, once administered orally, ibuprofen is absorbed by the intestinal mucosa, reaching maximum plasma concentration in just 45 minutes, and distributed to various tissues linked to plasma proteins.

The tropism of this active principle allows ibuprofen to concentrate mainly at the level of inflamed tissues where, by inhibiting cyclooxygenases, it prevents the conversion of a membrane phospholipid such as arachidonic acid into chemical mediators with marked anti-inflammatory activity known as prostaglandins.

The aforementioned therapeutic action is also supported by the ability of ibuprofen to induce the synthesis of lipoxins, molecules capable of inhibiting the chemotaxis and the adhesion of inflammatory cells involved in the genesis of tissue damage.

This biological action thus translates into a reduction in the painful and inflammatory stimulus, which inevitably accompanies the reduction of classic inflammatory signs such as edema.

Studies carried out and clinical efficacy

1. IBUPROFENE IN FEVER CONTROL

Neurocrit Care. 2011 Dec; 15 (3): 375-8.

An interesting clinical study that demonstrates how the simultaneous administration of ibuprofen and acetaminophen can guarantee excellent control of fever in neurological and neurosurgical patients, improving their therapeutic course.

2. IBUPROPHENES AND INFLAMMATION OF THE CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM

Respir Physiol Neurobiol. 2011 Sep 30; 178 (3): 381-6. Epub 2011 Mar 30.

Experimental study conducted on laboratory animals, which demonstrates how the administration of ibuprofen can play an important role in blocking the inflammatory processes of the central nervous system, reducing some reflex mechanisms such as the increase in ventilation induced by carotid baroreceptors.

3. IBUPROPHENES AND RENAL TUBULAR ACIDOSIS

Med J Aust. 2011 Mar 21; 194 (6): 313-6.

Work that reveals the appearance of renal tubular acidosis following the improper use of ibuprofen, with the consequent appearance of hypokalaemia accompanied by profound muscle weakness.

For this reason it would be advisable to consult your doctor even for products sold without a medical prescription.

Method of use and dosage

ACTIGRIP fever and pain ®

342 mg film-coated tablets of ibuprofen lysine salt, equivalent to 200 mg of ibuprofen.

In most cases the intake of 2-3 tablets a day is able to guarantee a rapid and effective remission of painful symptoms, without inducing particular side effects.

However, in patients suffering from particular inflammatory states, the dosage could be increased, always under medical indication, up to a maximum of 1200 mg daily.

Further dose adjustment should be provided for elderly patients or those with liver and kidney disease.

Warnings ACTIGRIP fever and pain ® Ibuprofen

The use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, including ACTIGRIP fever and pain ®, must be understood as a short-term symptomatic treatment.

Particularly long periods of administration could in fact facilitate the appearance of serious side effects, exacerbating pathological conditions already present, especially if affecting the gastric mucosa.

Particular caution is also recommended for patients suffering from renal, hepatic, cardiac and gastro-intestinal diseases, for which medical supervision would be necessary to check the state of health.

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

PREGNANCY AND BREASTFEEDING

The use of ibuprofen, as well as that of other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs is not recommended during pregnancy, I note the results of numerous studies that show how high blood concentrations of this active ingredient can compromise the correct development of the fetus, increasing the risk of abortion.

Interactions

The pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic characteristics of ibuprofen make this active ingredient, particularly susceptible to interaction with other drugs.

In fact, the scientific literature shows how the simultaneous intake of ibuprofen is:

ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II antagonists and antibiotics, may be associated with an increased risk of developing side effects mainly related to nephrotoxicity;
Oral anticoagulants or antidepressants that inhibit serotonin reuptake, may expose the patient to an increased risk of bleeding;
Corticosteroids and other NSAIDs may increase the side effects expected for anti-inflammatory therapy, especially for the gastric mucosa.

Contraindications ACTIGRIP fever and pain ® Ibuprofen

The use of ACTIGRIP fever and pain ® is contraindicated in patients hypersensitive to the active ingredient, to structurally related molecules and to the relative excipients.

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

Undesirable effects - Side effects

Taking ACTIGRIP fever and pain ® is very rarely associated with the appearance of clinically relevant side effects, if carried out according to the indications provided.

However, the abuse of ibuprofen or prolonged administration may lead to the appearance of:

Gastrointestinal reactions such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, pyrosiepigastric, gastritis and gastric ulcers in more severe cases;
Neurological symptoms such as, headache, restlessness and insomnia;
Dermatological manifestations including rash, urticaria and erythema.

Particularly important, on the other hand, are some epidemiological evidences that show how prolonged intake of ibuprofen may be associated with an increased risk of developing nephropathy, liver disease and cardio and cerebro-vascular accidents.