Introduction

Anti-inflammatory drugs act to reduce inflammation by reducing the amount of the hormones that cause inflammation. Although the mode of action is not exactly known – it is believed that anti-inflammatory drugs reduce the production of prostaglandins. These prostaglandins are the substances produced by the body, which cause inflammation. They also contribute to the brain’s perception of pain. It is by the reduction of the levels of prostaglandins that the anti-inflammatory drugs act to reduce pain.

Common anti-inflammatory drugs are aspirin and paracetamol. Ibuprofen is an example of a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. These were created as safer alternative to the anti-inflammatory drugs previously used, as the side effects were much less severe. Structures of these three drugs are shown below.

Ibuprofen was the first and probably the most well known agent of this new class of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to be authorised for over- the-counter sale in both the UK and United States. It was authorised in the late 1980’s for this purpose and was probably the first new chemical entity to be given this for 20 years. Since then its use has increased dramatically and it has become very popular as a pain–killer. This is due to ibuprofen’s much reduced side effects on the gastrointestinal tract than other painkillers, such as aspirin and paracetamol.

(Picture used without permission from University of Bristol, School of Chemistry website)

3D ball and stick representation of aspirin.