Flurbiprofen

Flurbiprofen is a medical active ingredient from the group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Because of its pain relieving, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic properties, flurbiprofen can be used on a broad basis.

What is Flurbiprofen?

The chemist thinks the powder is white to off-white Flurbiprofen Known under various names, the most common name is 2-fluoro-alpha-methyl-4-biphosphenylacetyl acid.

Like the better-known active ingredient ibuprofen, it belongs to the group of propionic acid derivatives. In 1978 the active ingredient was also approved in Germany.

Flurbiprofen is currently used in over-the-counter lozenges for sore throats and sore throats; they are available in pharmacies under the names Dobendan Direkt® and Strepsils Direkt®. The prescription eye drops also contain Ocuflur O.K. the active ingredient flurbiprofen.

Pharmacological effect

Flurbiprofen is an anti-inflammatory, that is, it has an anti-inflammatory effect. To achieve this effect, flurbiprofen inhibits certain enzymes called cyclooxygenases. These enzymes, in turn, are mainly involved in building up the body's own messenger substances, the prostaglandins.

Prostaglandins increase inflammation and irritate the nerve endings, which send pain signals to the brain. This is where the actual pain perception and processing takes place. If the prostaglandin synthesis from arachidonic acid - it is one of the unsaturated fatty acids - is inhibited by flurbiprofen, the inflammation is also alleviated and the perception of pain is reduced.

Flurbiprofen also affects the temperature regulation in the brain and therefore has a fever lowering effect. Flurbiprofen is usually taken orally; it is almost completely absorbed in the small intestine. The active substance is processed in the liver by the enzyme CYP-2C9 and then excreted renally, i.e. via the kidneys.

This also results in a contraindication for functional disorders of the liver and kidneys. Other contraindications are allergies to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, stomach ulcers and bleeding. People with Parkinson's disease should also avoid flurbiprofen.

Medical application & use

Mostly will Flurbiprofen used as an over-the-counter lozenge for inflammation in the throat area. The drug relieves pain caused by inflammation and reduces swelling.

However, only the symptoms are combated; an antibacterial effect is not to be expected. Furthermore, the doctor can prescribe eye drops with flurbiprofen for conjunctivitis. This is where the anti-inflammatory properties come into play. These eye drops are also used in clinical settings before and after eye surgery.

Before the operation, the drops are put into the eye to avoid constriction of the pupils during the operation. A prophylactic dose is usual after the operation to prevent inflammation. In addition, after cataract surgery on the eye, the administration of Ocuflur eye drops prevents water from collecting on the fundus.

The active ingredient also plays a role in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and juvenile arthritis, i.e. diseases of the rheumatic type. Bursitis and tendinitis also respond to treatment with flurbiprofen.

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Risks & side effects

The side effects result from the way in which Flurbiprofen. Since the prostaglandins not only have an intensifying effect on inflammation, but also protect the gastric mucosa, their reduction can lead to abdominal pain, loss of appetite and diarrhea or constipation.

Inflammation of the gastric mucosa and stomach ulcers are rare. Common side effects include tiredness, dizziness, dry mouth, itching and headache. Visual and hearing impairments and noises in the ears are also frequently reported. Some people are hypersensitive to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. This can trigger various allergic reactions from a slight reddening of the skin to analgesic asthma.

However, this complication is rare. Rare side effects also include insomnia and depression, as well as kidney dysfunction, intestinal ulcers, and gastrointestinal bleeding. Liver dysfunction is very rare. Interactions with other active ingredients are also known. If drugs contain the active ingredients digoxin, lithium, methotrexate or phenytoin, their concentration in the blood is increased if flurbiprofen is taken at the same time. Drugs used to dehydrate and lower blood pressure, on the other hand, are weakened. If anti-coagulants such as ASA are taken, a medical check of the coagulation status is recommended, as there is an increased risk of bleeding.

Flurbiprofen should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and there are still no reliable studies on the safety of the active ingredient in children under the age of twelve. As with all medications, the following also applies when taking flurbiprofen: If there is no significant improvement or even deterioration, a doctor should be consulted immediately.