Ibuprofen in acute-care therapy

Ibuprofen is a potent cyclooxygenase inhibitor known to reduce the production of arachidonic acid metabolites. Prostacyclin and thromboxane are well-studied metabolites that play a prominent role in inflammation. Many of the effects of ibuprofen can be linked to its anti-inflammatory properties. Beneficial results from ibuprofen therapy have been documented, and more widespread use of the drug seems indicated. Conditions ranging from immunologic response to trauma and sepsis to postburn lung dysfunction to wound edema are improved by the use of ibuprofen. The fact that ibuprofen is effective in the various conditions detailed above, while other steroidal and nonsteroidal drugs are effective only in selective instances, increases the value of ibuprofen. Other properties of the drug, aside from its anti-inflammatory effects, are not as well studied and not as well known. Their importance, however, should not be overlooked. Superoxide radical tissue injury may be very important in acute injury and this phenomenon needs further study. In several studies ibuprofen has been shown to antagonize this type of injury. Similarly fibrinolysis inhibition is known to occur in burn wounds, but its role in other injuries is unknown. The antagonism of this inhibitor by ibuprofen maintains vascular patency. The clinical use of ibuprofen will increase as research further elucidates the mechanisms of tissue injury in acute situations and the many and varied mechanisms of action of ibuprofen.