title: S-ibuprofen versus ibuprofen-racemate. A randomized double-blind study in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
abstract: Ibuprofen (ibu) is a racemic 2-arylpropionic acid non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug whose activity is due mainly to the S-enantiomer. So far only the racemic compound is in clinical use. A double-blind randomized trial was carried out for a 2-week period in 50 patients with classical rheumatoid arthritis (RA) (Steinbrocker II-III) to compare the effectiveness and tolerance of S-ibu (400 mg T.I.D.) with that of the racemic compound (600 mg T.I.D.). Ritchie-index, limitation of movement, joint pain on pressure and pain at night decreased significantly in both groups. Due to lack of effectiveness, the dose had to be increased in 3 patients from the S-ibu group as well as in 6 patients from the racemic group resulting in mean daily doses of 1220 mg S-ibuprofen and 1870 mg racemic ibu. No statistically significant difference could be found between both groups concerning efficacy and unwanted effects. Therefore, S-ibu given alone may be advantageous because the metabolic load to the human body is reduced and patients are more likely to comply with drug doses of 1.2 g/day as compared to 1.8 g/day.
authors.affiliation: Klinik Herzoghoehe, Bayreuth, Federal Republic of Germany.
authors.forename: K P
authors.initials: KP
authors.lastname: Stock
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Geisslinger
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Loew
authors.forename: W S
authors.initials: WS
authors.lastname: Beck
authors.forename: G L
authors.initials: GL
authors.lastname: Bach
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Brune
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007052:Ibuprofen / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000592:standards / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D010358:Patient Participation; D013237:Stereoisomerism
chemical_list: D007052:Ibuprofen