Nabumetone Vs Ibuprofen

Introduction

Nabumetone and Ibuprofen are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). They reduce pain, inflammation, and fever. NSAIDs are a class of medication that relieves pain by blocking the production of certain chemicals in the body.

While you can purchase them over the counter, wait until your healthcare professional prescribes them. Some further examples of over-the-counter NSAIDs are:

Aspirin
Naproxen (Aleve), etc.
Prescription-strength NSAIDs include:
Celecoxib
Diclofenac
Indomethacin, etc.

NSAIDs are effective at relieving inflammation and pain, but they also have side effects. It is important to use them only as directed and to talk to your doctor if you have any concerns.

About Nabumetone and Ibuprofen

What Is Nabumetone?

Nabumetone is an NSAID that reduces pain, inflammation, and stiffness. These symptoms are often a result of arthritis and other conditions affecting the joints and muscles. It is usually in the form of tablets. It works by inhibiting the production of certain hormones in the body.

Like most NSAIDs, nabumetone also has side effects. It may increase the risk of heart attack or stroke in certain people. It can especially affect those with cardiovascular problems. So, it's important to take nabumetone according to your healthcare professional’s recommendation. It is also important to be aware of any potential side effects or interactions with other medications.

What conditions is Nabumetone approved to treat?

Nabumetone received its first approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1991. It is available in tablet form and is typically taken orally. It is important to note that the approval and availability of nabumetone may vary by country and region.

Nabumetone is approved to treat the following conditions:

Osteoarthritis
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Ankylosing Spondylitis

Sometimes, it is also prescribed to treat other types of pain, such as headaches or menstrual cramps.

How Does Nabumetone work for Osteoarthritis?

It works by inhibiting the activity of cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes. These enzymes are responsible for producing prostaglandins that cause inflammation, fever, and pain.

By blocking COX enzymes, Nabumetone decreases the production of prostaglandins. As a result, there is less pain and inflammation. The drug also inhibits the production of leukotrienes.

These are inflammatory molecules responsible for the pathogenesis of Osteoarthritis.

Nabumetone is well-absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. It is metabolized in the liver to active metabolites that have a longer half-life than the parent compound.

What Is Ibuprofen?

Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). You can buy it under the brand name Motrin, Advil, etc. The year 1960 first witnessed its development as an alternative to aspirin. In the USA, it was first launched for treating rheumatoid arthritis in 1974.

It also works well for relieving Osteoarthritis and primary dysmenorrhea symptoms. The drug is safe for consumption and is also available over the counter. It also treats symptoms of common conditions like backaches, menstrual cramps, toothaches, and sports-related injuries.

What Conditions Is Ibuprofen Approved to Treat?

Ibuprofen is one of the most commonly prescribed NSAIDs and is generally used for treating acute pain, fever, and inflammation. It is also used to manage mild to moderate pain regarding migraine, headaches, dental pain, and other soft tissue-related conditions.

Ibuprofen can treat the following conditions:

Osteoarthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis
Gastric ulcer
Menstrual distress
Mild to acute pain
Orthostatic hypotension
Cystic fibrosis
Fever
Migraine

It comes in various flavors for children. It is also safe for them to consume.

How Does Ibuprofen Work for Osteoarthritis?

Ibuprofen’s mechanism of action is still a mystery. But, like most NSAIDs, it blocks the production of prostanoids or prostaglandins. These substances are inflammatory mediators and cause pain and inflammation. Ibuprofen is also a non-selective COX inhibitor. This means it inhibits the activity of both COX-1 and COX-2. As a result, it reduces pain, inflammation, swelling, and fever. But, COX-1 inhibition can also cause gastrointestinal side effects.

A study compared the safety profile of Ibuprofen with Paracetamol. It brought together information from many recent studies on:

Safety
Clinical uses of the drug
Pharmacological properties, etc.

It concluded that the former is safer than the latter at low doses.

Effectiveness

How Effective Are Nabumetone and Ibuprofen for Treating Osteoarthritis?

Both drugs are effective at relieving pain. While the FDA has approved Nabumetone and Ibuprofen for arthritis, determining the more effective drug isn’t easy. Their efficacy majorly relies on your condition and symptoms.

In a study, researchers compared Nabumetone to Ibuprofen and other NSAIDs. It had about 4,000 patients with rheumatoid arthritis or Osteoarthritis. Twelve weeks later, researchers concluded that both drugs were similar in effectiveness for Osteoarthritis. But, Nabumetone was more effective than other NSAIDs for rheumatoid arthritis.

The latter usually takes more time to work than the former. Nabumetone can take about a week to start working. Ibuprofen only takes an hour to work. But you may have to take it several times per day. Make sure to consult your doctor for the right medical advice.

Dosage information

How Is Nabumetone Administered for Osteoarthritis?

Healthcare professionals prescribe it orally. Here are more details about its dosage.

How Is Ibuprofen Administered for Osteoarthritis?

Ibuprofen is available in multiple forms, such as:

Tablets
Chewables
Drops
Suspensions

Dosage is different for adults and children. Most healthcare professionals prescribe Motrin (Ibuprofen) for children at least 6 months old. The absorption rate of this drug is slightly low when you take it with a meal.

Side Effects

As with most NSAIDs, these drugs also have some side effects.

What Are the Most Common Side Effects of Nabumetone?

Some of the common side effects of this medication include:

Headache
Dizziness
Diarrhea
Bloating or gas
Constipation
Increased sweating
Difficulty staying or falling asleep
Nervousness
Mouth sores
Dry mouth
Ringing in the ears

Are There Any Potentially Serious Side Effects of Nabumetone?

* If you experience any of these serious side effects, seek medical help immediately

Lack of energy
Loss of appetite
Abdomen swelling
Difficulty breathing
Nausea
Sudden weight gain
Yellowing of the eyes or skin
Fever
Flu-like symptoms
Blisters
Rash
Hives
Itching
Pale skin
Hoarseness
Difficulty breathing
Painful urination
Back pain
Rapid heartbeat
Bloody, discolored, or cloudy urine
Swelling of the face, lips, eyes, throat, arms, hands, or tongue

What Are the Most Common Side Effects of Ibuprofen?

Some of the common side effects of this medication include:

Headache
Abdominal pain
Diarrhea
Dyspepsia (indigestion)

Ibuprofen is not considered a safe alternative for pregnant women or adults above 60 years.

Are There Any Potentially Serious Side Effects of Ibuprofen?

* If you experience any of these serious side effects, seek medical help immediately

Abdominal pain
CNS depression
Convulsions and seizures.
Nausea
Lethargy
Vomiting
Vertigo
Drowsiness (somnolence)
Insomnia
Dizziness
Tinnitus
Loss of consciousness

Pediatric patients don’t usually experience severe side effects such as:

Metabolic acidosis
Acute renal failure
Dyspnea
Hyperkalemia
Apnea
Respiratory depression
Abnormal hepatic function

Contraindications and interactions

Warnings and General Precautions for Nabumetone and Ibuprofen

The G.I. tract majorly absorbs both medications. This is why long-term use can cause serious complications such as:

Permanent kidney damage
Stomach bleeding

NSAIDs can increase the risk of heart attack, stroke and other cardiovascular events.

The dosage depends on the condition. Your healthcare professional will adjust the dose and ensure that it is the right fit for you.

Contraindications and Important Interactions for Nabumetone and Ibuprofen

Contraindications

Nabumetone

Not recommended for pregnant women and those with cardiovascular diseases.

Pregnant women should not use NSAIDs at 20 weeks or later in pregnancy unless the healthcare professional advises it.

Ibuprofen

Not recommended for pregnant women.

Not recommended for adults above 60 years of age.

Drug/Medication Interactions

Nabumetone

Aspirin
Naproxin
Celecoxib
Ibuprofen

Ibuprofen

Brigatinib
Cabazitaxel
Abacavir
Erlotinib
Fluorouracil
Enasidenib

Food/Beverage/Supplement Interactions

Nabumetone

Take it with food to avoid gastrointestinal irritation.

Avoid alcohol to decrease the risk of gastrointestinal irritation.

Ibuprofen

It should be taken with food to decrease gastrointestinal irritation.

Avoid alcohol to decrease the risk of gastrointestinal irritation.

Cost Comparison

How Much Do Nabumetone and Ibuprofen Cost?

Most insurance plans cover nabumetone but not the over-the-counter version of Ibuprofen. Without insurance, the price of nabumetone is around $80, depending on the dosage. Insurance plans cover the prescription version of Ibuprofen. The average retail price of this drug is around $50 for 30 tablets.

Popularity of Nabumetone and Ibuprofen

Ibuprofen and Nabumetone are popular drugs for treating pain and Osteoarthritis. Most healthcare professionals prescribe oral versions of the drugs. They also follow almost the same route of absorption.

But, Ibuprofen is readily available as an over-the-counter drug. It is available in tablet, chewable, and suspension forms. Ibuprofen had a ranking of #38 in 2020. It is one of the most common drugs due to its safety, efficacy, and availability. Both drugs have almost the same side effects and warnings. But, Nabumetone is not as popular as Ibuprofen. Its 2020 ranking was #318.

Conclusion

Takeaway

According to most information, there isn’t a stark difference between the administration of both drugs. They also have similar contradictions and side effects. They are both effective in treating Osteoarthritis. But, the dosage varies depending on various factors such as:

Age
Weight
Types of symptoms
Severity of symptoms

All in all, NSAIDs aren’t ideal for long-term use. They can cause fluid retention and worsen heart failure. Those with a history of heart failure should observe strict caution.

Patients should adjust the dosage to the least effective dose when they achieve the desired result. But, the decision to increase or decrease dosage should ultimately be of your healthcare professional.