Comparison of the antinociception produced by two oral formulations of ibuprofen: ibuprofen effervescent vs ibuprofen tablets.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to compare the dose-related effects of both ibuprofen tablets and ibuprofen effervescent [placebo, 400 and 800 mg ibuprofen (Aktren)] on phasic pain.


METHODS
Twenty volunteers participated in this randomized, double-dummy, fivefold crossover study.


METHODS
Measurements were obtained before and 15, 60 and 240 min after drug administration. Pain was produced by CO2 pulses applied to the left nostril. Subjects rated the intensity of the painful stimuli by means of a visual analogue scale. In addition, chemosomatosensory event-related potentials were recorded.


RESULTS
In line with previous work, ibuprofen produced a dose-related decrease in pain-related potential amplitudes P1N1, indicating its antinociceptive effects. Higher plasma concentrations of ibuprofen were reached 15-40 min after administration of the effervescent while ibuprofen tablets had a tmax 60-90 min after administration. In addition, 60 min after intake of the effervescent a prolongation of the latencies of the potentials was observed, possibly reflecting superior antinociceptive properties when compared to ibuprofen tablets. In addition, the effervescent appeared to have more consistent effects on intensity estimates compared to ibuprofen tablets.
Hummel
T
T
Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany. thummel@mail.med.upenn.edu
Cramer
O
O
Mohammadian
P
P
Geisslinger
G
G
Pauli
E
E
Kobal
G
G
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000328:Adult; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000097:blood; D002626:Chemistry, Pharmaceutical; D016292:Procedural Sedation; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004569:Electroencephalography / Q000187:drug effects; D005072:Evoked Potentials, Auditory / Q000187:drug effects; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007052:Ibuprofen / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D009619:Nociceptors / Q000187:drug effects*; D010146:Pain / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010919:Placebos; D011597:Psychomotor Performance / Q000187:drug effects; D013607:Tablets
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D010919:Placebos; D013607:Tablets; D007052:Ibuprofen