<p>Dexibuprofen (S (+)-ibuprofen) is considered as the pharmacologically active enantiomer of racemic ibuprofen. Like racemic ibuprofen, Dexibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug with analgesic action. Like ibuprofen, Dexibuprofen acts by inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis.<br />
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Pharmacokinetics: Dexibuprofen is absorbed primarily from the small intestine. After metabolic transformation in the liver (hydroxylation, carboxylation) the pharmacologically inactive metabolites are completely excreted, mainly by the kidneys (90%), but also in the bile. The elimination half-life is 1.8-3.5 hours; the plasma protein binding is about 99%. Maximum plasma levels are reached about 2 hours after oral administration. The administration of dexibuprofen with a meal delays the time to reach maximum concentrations (from 2.1 hours after fasting conditions to 2.8 hours after non-fasting conditions) and decreases the maximum plasma concentrations (from 20.6 to 18.1 mcg/ml, which is of no clinical relevance), but has no effect on the extent of absorption.</p>