What is the difference between loxoprofen sodium tablets and ibuprofen?

Generally, loxoprofen sodium tablets and ibuprofen are both commonly used nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Their differences mainly lie in mechanisms of action, analgesic effects, onset speed, indications, gastrointestinal irritation, and other aspects. The specific analysis is as follows:

1. Mechanism of action: Loxoprofen sodium is a prodrug that converts into its active form in the body and exerts effects by inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis. Ibuprofen directly inhibits cyclooxygenase activity, thereby reducing prostaglandin production. The two drugs have slightly different molecular targets.

2. Analgesic effect: Loxoprofen sodium provides stronger pain relief for chronic dull pain, such as arthritic pain or postoperative pain. Ibuprofen has a relatively milder analgesic effect and is more suitable for mild to moderate pain, such as headache, toothache, and dysmenorrhea. The two drugs differ in terms of pain intensity and type they target.

3. Onset speed: Loxoprofen sodium is rapidly absorbed after oral administration, with effects beginning within 15–30 minutes. Ibuprofen reaches peak blood concentration 1–2 hours after oral intake, resulting in a relatively slower onset. Therefore, loxoprofen sodium has an advantage when rapid pain relief is needed.

4. Indications: Loxoprofen sodium is commonly used for anti-inflammatory and analgesic treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and other conditions, as well as for pain following trauma. In addition to analgesia, ibuprofen has a more pronounced antipyretic effect and is frequently used to reduce fever associated with colds, making it more oriented toward fever reduction.

5. Gastrointestinal irritation: Although loxoprofen sodium is a prodrug, it may still cause discomfort such as nausea and stomach pain. Ibuprofen causes relatively greater irritation to the gastrointestinal mucosa, and adverse symptoms are more likely to occur when taken on an empty stomach. It is recommended that both medications be taken after meals to minimize gastrointestinal irritation.

Drug selection should be based on individual needs, and self-administered combination use should be avoided. A light diet is recommended during treatment, and alcohol consumption should be avoided to reduce the risk of adverse drug reactions. Strict adherence to prescribed dosages and treatment duration is essential to ensure safe and effective medication use.