Effects of Dexibuprofen on Platelet Function in Humans

BACKGROUND: The aim of the current study is to evaluate the antiplatelet effect of dexibuprofen in healthy volunteers in comparison with low-dose aspirin. METHODS: Healthy volunteers (n = 12) were treated in a crossover manner with 100 mg daily aspirin or with 800 mg daily dexibuprofen. Blood samples were obtained within 24 h; 3, 7, and 14 days after repeated doses; and 24 h after the last dose. In each sample, the authors measured platelet aggregation, thromboxane B2, 6-keto-prostaglandin F1alpha, and nitric oxide. RESULTS: The antiplatelet effect of dexibuprofen (maximal inhibition of aggregation was 48-55% for adenosine diphosphate and 90-95% for collagen and arachidonic acid) was equal to the effect of aspirin. The main difference between the two drugs was in the degree of recovery of platelet function. The effect of aspirin persisted for 24 h after the last dose (remaining inhibition 50%, respect to the pretreatment value), whereas platelet aggregation had returned to baseline pretreatment values within 24 h after dexibuprofen was stopped. CONCLUSIONS: Both aspirin and dexibuprofen inhibited platelet function with a similar intensity, but dexibuprofen exerted a reversible effect for 24 h after the last dose.