ibuprofen + diclofenac potassium

Ibuprofen + diclofenac potassium is a combination of two non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) utilized for the management of acute and postoperative pain. Ibuprofen, a propionic acid derivative, and diclofenac potassium, a phenylacetic acid derivative, both function by inhibiting the cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, COX-1 and COX-2. This inhibition prevents the conversion of arachidonic acid into prostaglandins, which are key mediators of pain, inflammation, and fever. The use of the potassium salt of diclofenac provides a faster onset of action compared to the sodium salt, making it particularly effective for acute pain scenarios. This specific combination has been investigated by Shanghai Children’s Hospital as part of a multimodal analgesia strategy for pediatric patients undergoing surgical correction for funnel chest (pectus excavatum), aiming to provide superior pain relief while potentially reducing the requirement for opioid analgesics.

Other names

ibuprofen and diclofenac potassium combination