Purifen400 mg

Purifen 400 mg is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) - the active, pharmacologically effective isomer of ibuprofen - used for the relief of pain and inflammation in:

Musculoskeletal and Joint Conditions

• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Ankylosing spondylitis and other inflammatory arthritic conditions
• Soft tissue injuries, including sprains and strains
• Back pain

Acute Pain Conditions

• Dysmenorrhoea (painful menstrual periods)
• Mild to moderate postoperative pain
• Dental pain
• Headache, including tension-type headache

Fever

• Reduction of fever associated with inflammatory conditions, in some formulations and markets

Purifen 400 mg provides similar anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects to standard ibuprofen but at a lower milligram dose, since it isolates the pharmacologically active (S+) isomer rather than using the racemic (mixed R/S) mixture found in conventional ibuprofen.

Contains Purifen 400 mg as the active ingredient, available as oral film-coated tablets, commonly in 200 mg and 400 mg strengths.

Purifen 400 mg is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that contains only the S(+)-enantiomer of ibuprofen, the form responsible for essentially all of ibuprofen's anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving activity. Standard (racemic) ibuprofen contains an equal mixture of this active S(+) form and an essentially inactive R(-) form, some of which is slowly converted to the active form in the body. By using only the active isomer, Purifen 400 mg achieves comparable clinical effects to standard ibuprofen at roughly half the milligram dose, which may translate to a lower overall drug burden, though its safety profile shares the same class-wide NSAID risks (gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and renal).

Therapeutic Class: Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug (NSAID)

Purifen 400 mg is rapidly absorbed after oral administration, with peak plasma concentrations reached within about 1-2 hours. Because it contains only the active S(+) isomer (rather than the racemic mixture used in conventional ibuprofen, where the inactive R(-) form must be partly converted to the active form in the body), its onset of action may be somewhat faster at an equivalent effective dose. It is highly protein-bound and metabolized in the liver, with an elimination half-life of approximately 2 hours, similar to standard ibuprofen.

• Take with food, milk, or an antacid to help reduce stomach upset
• Swallow the tablet whole with a full glass of water
• Do not lie down for at least 10 minutes after taking a dose, to reduce the risk of the tablet lodging in the oesophagus
• Space doses evenly through the day as directed, and do not exceed the maximum daily dose

The following should be assessed by a healthcare professional before combining with Purifen 400 mg:

• Other NSAIDs or aspirin: combining increases the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding and ulceration without added benefit; avoid taking more than one NSAID at a time.
• Low-dose aspirin (for heart protection): ibuprofen-class NSAIDs, including Purifen 400 mg, may interfere with the antiplatelet effect of low-dose aspirin if taken close together; if both are needed, timing should be discussed with a doctor or pharmacist (aspirin is generally taken at least 30 minutes before, or several hours after, the NSAID dose).
• Anticoagulants (such as warfarin) and antiplatelet agents: increase bleeding risk when combined with Purifen 400 mg.
• ACE inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, and diuretics: NSAIDs can reduce the effectiveness of these blood pressure medicines and increase the risk of kidney impairment when combined, particularly in dehydrated or elderly patients ("triple whammy" effect when all three drug classes are combined).
• Lithium and methotrexate: Purifen 400 mg can increase blood levels of these medicines, raising toxicity risk; monitoring is advised.
• Corticosteroids: further increase gastrointestinal bleeding risk when combined with NSAIDs.
• SSRIs (certain antidepressants): combined use with NSAIDs increases the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding.

Common side effects

• Nausea, indigestion, or stomach discomfort
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Diarrhoea or constipation

Serious side effects (seek urgent medical attention)

• Signs of gastrointestinal bleeding: black or bloody stools, vomiting blood, severe stomach pain
• Signs of a heart attack or stroke: chest pain, shortness of breath, weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech
• Signs of a serious skin reaction: blistering, peeling skin, rash with fever
• Signs of an allergic reaction, particularly in patients with a history of aspirin or NSAID sensitivity: difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat
• Signs of kidney problems: reduced urination, swelling of the legs or ankles

Pregnancy

NSAIDs, including Purifen 400 mg, should be avoided starting around 20 weeks of pregnancy, as they may cause fetal kidney problems, and are contraindicated in the third trimester due to risk of premature closure of the ductus arteriosus in the fetus. Use earlier in pregnancy should only occur if considered necessary by a doctor.

Breastfeeding

Small amounts of ibuprofen-class NSAIDs pass into breast milk; Purifen 400 mg is generally considered compatible with breastfeeding at low, short-term doses, but use should be discussed with a healthcare professional, particularly for regular or prolonged use.

• NSAIDs, including Purifen 400 mg, are associated with an increased risk of serious cardiovascular thrombotic events, including heart attack and stroke, which can occur early in treatment and increase with duration of use and dose.
• NSAIDs increase the risk of serious gastrointestinal adverse events, including bleeding, ulceration, and perforation, which can occur at any time and without warning symptoms; elderly patients and those with a prior history of peptic ulcer disease are at greater risk.
• Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration consistent with treatment goals.
• Use with caution in patients with asthma, as NSAIDs can precipitate bronchospasm in susceptible individuals.
• Use with caution in patients with renal, hepatic, or cardiovascular impairment, or in those on diuretics or antihypertensive medication.
• Ensure adequate hydration, particularly in elderly or dehydrated patients, to reduce the risk of NSAID-related kidney impairment.

Overdose of Purifen 400 mg may cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, drowsiness, and, in more severe cases, gastrointestinal bleeding, kidney impairment, metabolic acidosis, or effects on blood pressure and consciousness. Suspected overdose requires prompt medical evaluation, particularly in children, where even moderate overdoses can be significant; treatment is generally supportive, provided in a medical facility.

Store at room temperature, in a tightly closed container, protected from light and excessive heat or humidity. Keep out of reach of children.

• Elderly: Lower starting doses are generally recommended, as elderly patients are at greater risk of NSAID-related gastrointestinal and cardiovascular complications.
• Renal impairment: Use with caution; dose reduction or avoidance may be needed depending on severity.
• Hepatic impairment: Use with caution, as Purifen 400 mg is metabolized by the liver.
• Cardiovascular risk factors: Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration, given the class-wide cardiovascular risk of NSAIDs.

Treatment duration depends on the condition being treated; Purifen 400 mg is generally used for the shortest period needed to control symptoms, particularly given the cardiovascular and gastrointestinal risks that increase with prolonged NSAID use. Chronic conditions such as osteoarthritis may require longer-term use under regular medical review of ongoing need and dose.

Drug Class: Propionic acid derivative NSAID (single S(+)-enantiomer of ibuprofen)

Purifen 400 mg works by inhibiting cyclooxygenase enzymes (COX-1 and COX-2), which reduces the production of prostaglandins - chemical messengers responsible for pain, inflammation, and fever. As the pharmacologically active isomer of ibuprofen, it exerts these anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects directly, without needing the metabolic conversion step required for the inactive isomer present in standard racemic ibuprofen.

Safety and efficacy of Purifen 400 mg have not been established in patients younger than 18 years for most formulations; use in children should only occur under specialist medical guidance where a specific pediatric-labeled product and dosing regimen is available.