Storage
Store at room temperature
Synonyms
Sodium ibuprofen dihydrate; Esprenit; COMBOGESIC IV COMPONENT IBUPROFEN SODIUM; Benzeneacetic acid, alpha-methyl-4-(2-methylpropyl)-, sodium salt, hydrate (1:1:2); DTXSID4040501
Molecular Formula
C13H21NaO4
Smiles
CC(C)CC1=CC=C(C=C1)C(C)C(=O)[O-].O.O.[Na+]
Appearance
White to off-white solid powder
Boiling Point
319.6°C at 760 mmHg
General Description
Ibuprofen sodium is the sodium salt of the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) ibuprofen, with a propionic acid derivative structure containing a phenyl group and an isobutyl substituent. The sodium salt enhances water solubility compared to the free acid, allowing faster dissolution and more rapid absorption.
Mechanism of Action
Ibuprofen sodium dissociates in solution to release the ibuprofen anion, which reversibly inhibits the cyclooxygenase (COX-1 and COX-2) enzymes, reducing the synthesis of prostaglandins, prostacyclin, and thromboxane. This action reduces pain, inflammation, and fever. The sodium salt does not alter the pharmacodynamics of the ibuprofen moiety but provides a more soluble form for formulation.
Application
Ibuprofen sodium is indicated for the management of mild to moderate pain (including headache, dental pain, dysmenorrhea, and musculoskeletal pain), fever, and inflammation. It is used in conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and acute gout. The sodium salt formulation is particularly suitable for rapid onset formulations, such as effervescent or liquid preparations.
Sodium ibuprofen (IBU-Na) in hypertonic saline (1 M NaCl) showed ten-fold increased bactericidal activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, MRSA, and Burkholderia cepacia, with minimum effective contact time reduced from hours to minutes. The effect was specific to the amphipathic molecule and correlated with changes in zeta potential. This combination offers a new approach for cystic fibrosis respiratory infections using known, safe compounds.
Fig. 1 Minimum inhibitory concentration of IBU. (Muñoz AJ, et al., 2018)
References
- Muñoz AJ, et al. High Concentrations of Sodium Chloride Improve Microbicidal Activity of Ibuprofen against Common Cystic Fibrosis Pathogens. Pharmaceuticals (Basel). 2018;11(2):47.
Does Ibuprofen Sodium require protection from moisture during long-term storage?
Yes, it is hygroscopic. The sodium salt readily absorbs moisture, leading to caking and potential degradation. Store in tightly sealed containers with desiccant.
What is the recommended storage temperature for Ibuprofen Sodium?
Store at controlled room temperature (15-25°C). Avoid excessive heat above 30°C, which can accelerate oxidative degradation and racemization.
Is Ibuprofen Sodium stable in solution for intravenous or oral use?
Aqueous solutions are stable when protected from light and stored at room temperature for up to 24 hours.
How is the impurity 4-isobutylacetophenone (an oxidative degradation product) monitored?
This degradation product is quantified using a stability-indicating HPLC method with UV detection, ensuring it remains within ICH limits.