Loxoprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) in the propionic acid derivatives group, which also includes ibuprofen and naproxen among others. It is available in some countries for oral administration. A transdermal patch, transdermal preparation was approved for sale in Japan in January 2006; medicated tape and gel formulations followed in 2008 and 2010. It was patented in 1977 and approved for medical use in 1986.

Pharmacokinetics

Loxoprofen is a prodrug. It is quickly converted to its active ''trans''-alcohol metabolite following oral administration, and reaches its peak plasma concentration within 30 to 50 minutes.

Mechanism of action

As most NSAIDs, loxoprofen is a non-selective cyclooxygenase inhibitor, and works by reducing the synthesis of prostaglandins from arachidonic acid.

Interactions

Loxoprofen should not be administered at the same time as second-generation quinolone antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin and norfloxacin, as it increases their inhibition of gamma-aminobutyric acid, GABA and this may cause seizures. It may also increase the plasma concentration of warfarin, methotrexate, sulfonylurea derivatives and lithium salts, so care should be taken when loxoprofen is administered to patients taking any of these drugs.

Brand names

It is marketed in Brazil, Mexico and Japan by Daiichi Sankyo, Sankyo as its sodium salt, loxoprofen sodium, under the trade name Loxonin; in Argentina as Oxeno; in India as Loxomac; in Thailand as Japrolox; and in Saudi Arabia as Roxonin an
Roxonin Tape
A generic drug is marketed in Brazil by :pt:Aché Laboratórios Farmacêuticos, Aché as Oxotron. In Japan, two fixed dose combinations are available: Loxonin S Plus, with magnesium oxide, and Loxonin S Premium, with apronal, caffeine, and aluminium magnesium silicate.

References

{{Prostanoidergics Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs Prodrugs Cyclic ketones Propionic acids Daiichi Sankyo