Nurofen
A new kind of anti-inflammatory and pain relief medication, Nurofen is a buprenorphine product that combines ingredients such as celebrex, ibuprofen, hydrocodone and the common pain reliever, paracetamol. This medication is also known as Neurontin, generic name of Norpramin). The pharmaceutical company, GlaxoSmithKline, developed Nurofen in 1981, based on the results of studies that showed that elderly people recovering from strokes that stopped using nurofen but had been taking it previously were able to resume normal activity after stopping the medication for a period of four months. After this period, it was found that they had no withdrawal symptoms and that they had increased mobility and pain tolerance, even without taking the drug. Later, it was shown in controlled studies that nurofen slowed the progression of diabetic renal disease (DDR) when used to relieve pain and increase glucose disposal. It also reduced the frequency and intensity of peptic ulcers in patients with ulcerative colitis.
Nurofen is available as both prescription and nonprescription products. These are the trade names Avon, Nuprin, Norpramin, Obagi and Protica. The two basic forms are the regular cream or gel and the soft, supple pads that are to be applied to the thigh or abdomen. There are four types of nurofen aid available in the United States, the regular cream/gel, the soft, supple pads, the extended-release pills, the steroidal, the contraindications, the extended release tablets and the transdermal patches.
The regular cream/gel is manufactured in the size of a pencil and is designed for maximum absorption through the skin. The transdermal patches are available in a variety of shapes, colours and textures. All have the active ingredient examine sodium, an alkaloid derivative of nurofen nsaid, which is known to protect the immune system by reducing the severity of infections and reduce pain. The examine salt is derived from vitamin C. The extended-release tablet is made of a gelatin substance and has a sticky texture to adhere to the uppermost layer of the skin where it remains for the longest period of time. All these nurofen products should be prescribed according to the strength needed for the individual patient.
Nurofen, A Common Pain Management Product in the United States
Nurofen tablets are available as a single dose for long-term treatment and can be used regularly by taking them once a day. The transdermal patches are available for short term or relief only. A square measure of a patch will be taken and placed on the affected site for immediate relief and control. Once the medication wears off, another patch with a smaller square measure will be replaced and so on until a full square measure is worn.
The duration of the protective effect depends on the dosage and nurofen potency consumed. For children, this can range from four hours up to three weeks while in adults the period may be longer ranging from six months to one year. The therapeutic benefit is not limited to localisation of pain but includes a wide range of benefits at the cellular level. It helps to increase blood flow by increasing the permeability of collagen and enhancing capillary stability. It also increases the metabolic rate and reduces the need for energy from carbohydrates and fats. It prevents the acid in the stomach from being dispersed into the intestine resulting in flatulence and reduces diarrhea associated with peptic ulcers.
The therapeutic benefit is also extended to the patient with concomitant illnesses such as diabetes mellitus, hyperlipoproteinaemia, hypertension and atherosclerosis. Nurofen nsaid has been found useful in the management of patients with diabetes, dyslipoproteinaemia and hypertension. The triglycerides and cholesterol levels in the blood decreased considerably, the ratio of high-density lipoprotein to low-density lipoprotein was more stable, decreased in patients with mild atherosclerosis and improved the function of the liver. There was a marked improvement in the clinical response to statin drugs in patients who were administered nurofen hydrochloride. There was a significant improvement in the composite measure of quality of life and the patients had a better score on the hospital discharge questionnaire. The improvement was found to be primarily due to the absence of lamotrigine and the inclusion of cystatin and docetaxel in the nurofen formulations.