Ibuprofen--past, present, and future

Diclofenac, ibuprofen, and paracetamol biodegradation: overconsumed non-steroidal anti-inflammatories drugs at COVID-19 pandemic

The consumption of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have increased significantly in the last years (2020-2022), especially for patients in COVID-19 treatment. NSAIDs such as diclofenac, ibuprofen, and paracetamol are often available without restrictions, being employed without medical supervision for basic symptoms of inflammatory processes. Furthermore, these compounds are increasingly present in nature constituting complex mixtures discarded at domestic and hospital sewage/wastewater. Therefore, this review emphasizes the biodegradation of diclofenac, ibuprofen, and paracetamol by pure cultures or consortia of fungi and bacteria at in vitro, in situ, and ex situ processes. Considering the influence of different factors (inoculum dose, pH, temperature, co-factors, reaction time, and microbial isolation medium) relevant for the identification of highly efficient alternatives for pharmaceuticals decontamination, since biologically active micropollutants became a worldwide issue that should be carefully addressed. In addition, we present a quantitative bibliometric survey, which reinforces that the consumption of these drugs and consequently their impact on the environment goes beyond the epidemiological control of COVID-19.

Trial of ibuprofen to prevent post-vasectomy complications

Sperm granuloma and epididymitis remain 2 of the most common and incapacitating complications of vasectomy. A study was designed to evaluate the possibility of reducing these inflammatory complications with a prophylactic course of a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug. Patients undergoing outpatient vasectomy were randomized into 2 groups. Group 1 received a prophylactic course of ibuprofen and group 2 received no medication. The ibuprofen was tolerated well and no adverse reactions were noted. There was no increase in postoperative bleeding or hematoma formation. There was no clinical benefit or decrease in complication rate in the ibuprofen-treated group.