Page 63 - Encyclopedia of Chemical Compounds 3 Vols

2 (4 ISOBUTYLPHENYL)PROPIONIC ACID
Words to Know
ANALGESIC a substance the relieves pain. GREEN CHEMISTRY the practice of making
CATALYST a material that increases the
rate of a chemical reaction without
undergoing any change in its own
chemical structure.
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chemical compounds that are less wasteful
of raw materials, more sensitive to
environmental concerns, and less
hazardous to human health.
inflammation and swelling. Scientists believe that ibuprofen
works by inhibiting the enzyme cyclooxygenase (COX),
which converts arachidonic acid to prostaglandins. Arachido-
nic acid is a naturally occurring fatty acid that is used to
build a number of important biochemical compounds, includ-
ing the prostaglandins. The prostaglandins are involved in
the transmission of pain impulses throughout the nervous
system. If the COX enzyme is prevented from functioning,
arachidonic acid can not be converted into prostaglandins,
and pain messages will not be transmitted.
Ibuprofen is especially effective in treating certain kinds
of pain and inflammation, including those associated with
menstrual cramps, various kinds of arthritis, headaches and
migraines, pain from injuries and surgery, and discomfort
associated with influenza and gout.
The major risk associated with use of ibuprofen is sto-
mach irritation. The inventors of ibuprofen had hoped to
find a substance that causes less stomach irritation than
aspirin. Ibuprofen does seem to cause fewer gastrointestinal
problems than does aspirin. Nevertheless, it can still cause
severe problems in some patients, especially those who take
large doses. Common complaints from the use of ibuprofen
include nausea, stomach pain, and diarrhea. Patients who
are especially sensitive or who take high doses of ibuprofen
for long periods may experience damage to the stomach
lining.
As with any drug, some patients should avoid taking
ibuprofen entirely. These include individuals with heart
or kidney problems, people who are taking so-called ‘‘blood
thinners,’’ pregnant women during the last three months of
CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS