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Enantioselective hydrolysis of racemic naproxen nitrile and naproxen amide to S-naproxen by new bacterial isolates.

Bacteria were enriched from soil samples with succinate as a carbon source and racemic naproxen nitrile [2-(6-methoxy-2-naphthyl)propionitrile] as sole source of nitrogen. Since naproxen nitrile was only poorly soluble in water media amended with different water-immiscible organic phases were used for the enrichments. With pristane (2,6,10,14-tetramethylpentadecane) as the organic phase two bacterial strains were isolated (strain C3II and strain MP50) which were identified as rhodococci. Cells of both strains converted naproxen nitrile via naproxen amide to naproxen. From racemic naproxen nitrile Rhodococcus sp. C3II formed S-naproxen amide and subsequently S-naproxen. Racemic naproxen amide was hydrolysed to S-naproxen. Rhodococcus sp. MP50 converted racemic naproxen nitrile predominantly to R-naproxen amide and racemic naproxen amide to S-naproxen. With both strains racemic naproxen amide was converted to S-naproxen with an enantiomeric excess > 99% at a conversion rate up to 80% of the theoretical value. In strain C3II the enzymes which hydrolysed naproxen nitrile and naproxen amide were present only at a low constitutive level. In contrast, in Rhodococcus sp. MP50 these activities were induced when grown in the presence of various nitriles.

Amides↗

Absorption and distribution of naproxen in rats orally treated with naproxen betainate sodium salt monohydrate. Comparison with naproxen.

The S-naproxen betainate sodium salt monohydrate (naproxen-betaNa, CAS 104124-26-7, Aprenin) was synthesized to improve bioavailability and tolerability of naproxen. 24 albino rats were treated with naproxen-betaNa (84 mg/kg) and 24 with S-naproxen (naproxen) (50 mg/kg) by the oral route, the doses being equimolar. The animals were sacrificed and naproxen was assayed in timed plasma samples drawn off over a 24-h period and in tissues excised 1 h after administration. Peak concentrations of naproxen proved to be higher with naproxen-betaNa than with naproxen as such. The area under the curve of naproxen concentrations observed with the two administrations overlapped as did concentrations of the drug in the lungs, myocardium and liver. Naproxen concentrations in the gastric wall after naproxen-betaNa proved to be lower than after administration of naproxen as such, which allowed the authors to assume that naproxen-betaNa has a better gastric tolerability.

Animals↗

A double blind study comparing the efficacy and safety of enteric coated naproxen to naproxen in the management of NSAID intolerant patients with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Naproxen EC Study Group.

OBJECTIVE: To compare efficacy and gastrointestinal (GI) tolerability of a new enteric coated formulation of naproxen (NAP-EC) with standard immediate release naproxen (NAP-STD). METHODS: One hundred seventy-nine patients with osteoarthritis (OA) and one hundred seventy-six patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) at high risk for developing GI side effects to nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID) therapy were enrolled in a double blind, parallel, multicenter study. All patients had either discontinued as NSAID during the previous one year or required cotreatment with antiulcer drugs for control of GI complaints related to NSAID use. The treatments were evenly divided in both diagnostic cohorts. RESULTS: Except for minor differences in alcohol consumption, baseline characteristics of patients in both treatment groups were statistically similar. Both naproxen formulations were highly efficacious by all variables of disease activity when changes were measured from baseline. No statistically significant between formulation difference was found in the primary efficacy variable, overall disease activity. Overall, between formulation differences in efficacy measures were few, though most favored NAP-STD. GI complaints were reduced by 15% (51% NAP-EC vs 60% NAP-STD, p = 0.077) and GI complaints thought to be drug related were reduced by 36% (16% NAP-EC vs 25% NAP-STD, p = 0.024). Withdrawals due to GI complaints were reduced by 37% in the NAP-EC group (12% NAP-EC vs 19% NAP-STD, p = 0.054), and withdrawals due to GI complaints judged to be drug related were reduced by 55% in the NAP-EC group (6% NAP-EC vs 12% NAP-STD, p = 0.025). CONCLUSION: Enteric coated naproxen is an effective treatment for OA and RA. All observed differences in GI tolerability favor NAP-EC over NAP-STD.

Adult↗

Differentiation between naproxen, naproxen-protein conjugates, and naproxen-lysine in plasma via micellar electrokinetic capillary chromatography--a new approach in the bioanalysis of drug targeting preparations.

Pharmacotherapy through the targeting of drugs is a promising new approach that requires adequate analytical methods capable of differentiating between the free drug, the drug carrier, and metabolites. Using micellar electrokinetic capillary chromatography (MECC), we report the separation of naproxen (NAP) from NAP covalently coupled to human serum albumin or to mannosylated serum albumin and the metabolite naproxen-lysine. An assay for selective analysis of the different forms of NAP by direct plasma injection was developed with salicylate as internal standard and solute detection by laser-induced fluorescence. Compared with previously applied techniques, including HPLC and total plasma fluorescence, MECC offers the advantage that free and covalently bound NAP can be differentiated in one run and can be accurately monitored in microliter quantities of plasma. Summation of all NAP equivalents determined by MECC revealed data that compare well with those produced by total plasma fluorescence and HPLC.

Animals↗

Single dose oral naproxen and naproxen sodium for acute postoperative pain.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative pain is often poorly managed. Treatment options include a range of drug therapies such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) of which naproxen is one. Naproxen is used to treat a variety of painful conditions including acute postoperative pain, and is often combined with sodium to improve its solubility for oral administration. Naproxen sodium 550 mg (equivalent to 500 mg of naproxen) is considered to be an effective dose for treating postoperative pain but to date no systematic review of the effectiveness of naproxen/naproxen sodium at different doses has been published. OBJECTIVES: To assess the efficacy, safety and duration of action of a single oral dose of naproxen or naproxen sodium for acute postoperative pain in adults. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched The Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Oxford Pain Relief Database for relevant studies. Additional studies were identified from the reference list of retrieved reports. The most recent search was undertaken in July 2004. SELECTION CRITERIA: Included studies were randomised, double blind, placebo-controlled trials of a single dose of orally administered naproxen or naproxen sodium in adults with moderate to severe acute postoperative pain. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Pain relief or pain intensity data were extracted and converted into dichotomous information to give the number of patients with at least 50% pain relief over four to six hours. Relative risk estimates (RR) and the number-needed-to-treat (NNT) for at least 50% pain relief were then calculated. Information was sought on the percentage of patients experiencing any adverse event, and the number-needed-to-harm was derived. Time to remedication was also estimated. MAIN RESULTS: Ten trials (996 patients) met the inclusion criteria: nine assessed naproxen sodium; one combined the results from two small trials of naproxen alone. Included studies scored well for methodological quality. Meta-analysis of six trials (500 patients) that compared naproxen sodium 550 mg with placebo gave a RR for at least 50% pain relief over 4 to 6 hours of 4.2 (95% confidence interval (CI) 2.9 to 6.0) and an NNT of 2.6 (95% CI 2.2 to 3.2). Three trials (334 patients) assessed naproxen 400 mg and naproxen sodium 440 mg, giving a RR of 4.8 (95% CI 2.75 to 8.38). Two small studies indicated that naproxen 200 mg and naproxen sodium 220 mg may provide effective postoperative pain relief. There was no significant difference between the number of patients experiencing any adverse event on treatment compared with placebo. Weighted mean time to remedication for naproxen sodium 550 mg was 7.6 hours compared with 2.6 hours for placebo. REVIEWERS' CONCLUSIONS: Naproxen sodium 550 mg, naproxen 400 mg and naproxen sodium 440 mg administered orally are effective analgesics for the treatment of acute postoperative pain in adults. A low incidence of adverse events was found but reporting was not consistent.

Acute Disease↗

Tramadol allows reduction of naproxen dose among patients with naproxen-responsive osteoarthritis pain: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate that in patients receiving naproxen for the pain of osteoarthritis (OA), the addition of tramadol will allow a reduction in the naproxen dosage without compromising pain relief. METHODS: This trial consisted of a 5-week open-label run-in and an 8-week double-blind phase. Patients with at least moderate pain (> or =40 mm on a 100-mm visual analog scale) of OA of the knee after a 1-week medication washout were treated with naproxen 500 mg/day for 1 week. Patients whose pain scores were reduced to <20 mm were discontinued. The remaining patients received naproxen 1,000 mg/day for 3 weeks. Tramadol 200 mg/day was added during the third week. Patients were then randomized in a double-blind manner to continue tramadol 200 mg/day or to begin placebo in addition to naproxen. Randomization was stratified based on response to naproxen 1,000 mg/day. During the double-blind phase, the naproxen dose was reduced by 250 mg every 2 weeks. The primary efficacy end point was the minimum effective naproxen dose (MEND). The MEND was defined as 250 mg above the naproxen daily dosage at which pain relief was no longer adequate. Patients discontinuing the double-blind phase of the study for reasons other than lack of efficacy were assigned a MEND equal to the last naproxen dose received. If the effect of treatment between the responder and nonresponder groups was statistically different, the difference in the MEND was assessed separately within the groups. RESULTS: Of 236 patients randomized (mean age 61 years; 147 females), 90 were stratified as naproxen responders and 146 as naproxen nonresponders. There was a significant difference (P = 0.040) in the treatment effect between the naproxen responders and nonresponders, thus demonstrating a difference in the way responders and nonresponders react to a decrease in naproxen dosage after the addition of tramadol. Among naproxen responders, the MEND was significantly lower in patients receiving tramadol (n = 36) than in patients receiving placebo (n = 54), 221 mg versus 407 mg, respectively (P = 0.021). For the naproxen nonresponders, the mean MEND was 419 mg in the tramadol group and 396 mg in the placebo group (P = 0.706). CONCLUSION: In patients with painful OA of the knee responding to naproxen 1,000 mg/day, the addition of tramadol 200 mg/day allows a significant reduction in the dosage of naproxen without compromising pain relief.

Aged↗

Effects of acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) and naproxen sodium (naproxen) on ovulation, prostaglandin, and progesterone production in the rabbit.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) and naproxen sodium (naproxen) on ovulation, ovarian prostaglandins (PG), and P production in the rabbit via in vivo and in vitro studies. DESIGN: Aspirin and naproxen were administered i.v. 6.5 and 7 hours, respectively, after hCG administration to New Zealand White adult female rabbits. Laparotomy was performed 24 hours after hCG administration. For in vitro experiments, control animals underwent laparotomy 6.5 (aspirin) and 7 hours (naproxen) after hCG administration. The treated animal received aspirin and naproxen; laparotomy was performed 1 hour later. One ovary was perfused for 6 hours with aspirin or naproxen whereas the contralateral ovary served as a control and was perfused with control medium (M199; GIBCO, Grand Island, New York). Perfusate samples were collected at 1-hour intervals for PG and P determination. SETTING: A conventional laboratory setting. INTERVENTIONS: In vivo experiments used i.v. administration of 100 mg/kg aspirin and 10 and 50 mg/kg naproxen. In vitro perfusion was also carried out with 100 micrograms/mL aspirin and 10 and 50 micrograms/mL naproxen added to the perfusate. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Ovulatory efficiency (no. of ovulations/no mature follicles) and ovarian vein PG and P concentration were determined. RESULTS: Ovulatory efficiency was 88% for control, 41% for in vivo aspirin-treated, and 40% (10 mg/kg) and 0% (50 mg/kg) for naproxen-treated rabbits. Aspirin and naproxen were associated with decreased ovulatory efficiency when administered in vitro to both in vivo control and in vivo treated ovaries (control-medium = 70%; control-aspirin = 14%; aspirin-medium = 34%; aspirin-aspirin = 0%; control-naproxen = 25%; naproxen-medium = 38%; naproxen = 0% with 10 microgram/mL, and control-naproxen = 13%; naproxen-medium = 0%; naproxen = 0% with 50 micrograms/mL). Prostaglandin F2 alpha was undetectable in the perfusate of those ovaries perfused of those ovaries perfused either with aspirin or naproxen. Ovarian venous concentration of P in the perfusate was similar in all groups. CONCLUSIONS: Aspirin and naproxen significantly reduced ovulatory efficiency and PG production both in vivo and in vitro in hCG-treated rabbits. A critical period of 6.5 and 7 hours after hCG administration was established.

Animals↗

Steady-state pharmacokinetics of enteric-coated naproxen tablets compared with standard naproxen tablets.

In this open-label, randomized, cross-over study, 24 healthy volunteers (12 men and 12 women) received either enteric-coated (EC) naproxen tablets 500 mg twice daily or standard naproxen tablets 500 mg twice daily for 7 days. In each of the two study periods, blood sampling began on day 8, after one last dose of the study drug was administered, to determine and compare steady-state pharmacokinetics for each of the two naproxen formulations. The plasma half-life of naproxen averaged 16.3 and 16.9 hours following EC naproxen and standard naproxen treatments, respectively. Mean time to maximum plasma concentration (Tmax) was greater for EC naproxen than for standard naproxen (4.0 vs 1.9 hours), while the maximum observed plasma concentration (Cmax) was slightly, but not significantly, smaller (94.9 vs 97.4 micrograms/mL, respectively). The mean values for average plasma concentration (Cave) and minimum plasma concentration for EC naproxen were 70.4 and 60.6 micrograms/mL, respectively, compared with 63.9 and 44.1 micrograms/mL for standard naproxen. The mean plasma fluctuation about the mean was greater for standard naproxen than for EC naproxen (85.3% vs 49.3%), while the mean area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) was smaller for standard naproxen (766.8 vs 845.0 micrograms x h/mL). At steady state, EC naproxen was similar to standard naproxen tablets with respect to Cmax, Cave, Cmax:Cave, 0- to 12-hour AUC, and half-life but differed in Tmax. In addition, fluctuations about Cave in plasma levels were considerably lower with EC naproxen than with standard naproxen.

Administration, Oral↗

NO-naproxen vs. naproxen: ulcerogenic, analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects.

BACKGROUND: A novel class of nitric oxide-releasing nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NO-NSAID) derivatives has recently been described which exert anti-inflammatory activities but produce significantly less gastrointestinal injury than the parent NSAID from which they are derived. The present studies were performed to determine if a nitroxybutylester derivative of naproxen was less ulcerogenic to the gastrointestinal tract than its parent NSAID, and if it exerted comparable analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties to the parent NSAID. METHODS: The two drugs were compared in an acute gastric injury model, an antral ulcer model and after twice-daily administration for 18 days (small intestinal damage model). Anti-inflammatory activity was examined in the carrageenan-induced paw oedema model, while analgesia was examined in the acetic acid-induced writhing model. The pharmacokinetic profiles of naproxen vs. NO-naproxen were compared by HPLC analysis. RESULTS: NO-naproxen was found to produce significantly less gastric damage despite inducing similar increases in plasma TNF alpha to naproxen. With chronic administration, small intestinal damage was markedly less with NO-naproxen than with the parent NSAID. However, NO-naproxen exerted superior analgesic and comparable anti-inflammatory effects to naproxen. NO-naproxen was not completely converted to naproxen, but the reduced plasma levels of the latter was not the underlying reason for reduced gastrointestinal toxicity of NO-naproxen. CONCLUSION: NO-naproxen represents a novel, gastrointestinal-sparing NSAID derivative with superior analgesic and comparable anti-inflammatory properties to naproxen.

Analgesics↗

Naproxen and paracetamol compared with naproxen only in coxarthrosis. Increased effect of the combination in 18 patients.

In a double-blind study of 18 patients with coxarthrosis the effect of 3 naproxen doses (0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 g daily) and 2 naproxen doses combined with paracetamol (0.5 g + 4 g daily and 1.0 g + 4 g daily) was investigated. Plasma levels of naproxen and paracetamol were measured (HPLC), and clinical assessment of pain, joint movement, activity of daily life and side-effects were performed at the end of the 5 treatment periods. A relationship was found between the 3 naproxen doses, naproxen plasma levels, pain at rest, and pain during movement. The combined treatment was more effective than treatment with the same naproxen dose alone. The effect of naproxen (0.5 g daily) combined with paracetamol (4 g daily) did not differ from that obtained during treatment with higher naproxen doses only. Furthermore, the effect of the highest naproxen dose was not better than the effect of the lower naproxen dose (1.0 g daily) combined with paracetamol. The main finding was that treatment with naproxen and paracetamol is more effective than treatment with higher naproxen doses alone.

Acetaminophen↗

Effect of chronic bile duct obstruction and LPS upon targeting of naproxen to the liver using naproxen-albumin conjugate.

Naproxen covalently linked to human serum albumin (NAP-HSA) is efficiently targeted to endothelial and Kupffer cells of the liver and may offer a new therapeutic approach in the treatment of liver disease associated with inflammatory processes. In the present investigation we explored the pharmacokinetic behaviour of targeted and non-targeted naproxen as well as the pharmacokinetic properties of the active metabolite, Naproxen lysine (Nap lysine), in rats rendered fibrotic by bile duct ligation (BDL) for 4 weeks. Furthermore, we studied the effect of endotoxemia, experimentally induced by intravenous injection of 800 microg/kg lipopolysaccaride (LPS) upon the pharmacokinetics of these agents in order to investigate the feasibility of targeting naproxen to non-parenchymal cells in the inflamed and fibrotic liver. Our studies demonstrate that liver disease altered the pharmacokinetic behaviour of the different naproxen compounds. Thus, initial plasma concentrations of NAP HSA and naproxen were markedly lower in BDL rats accompanied by an increase of the volume of distribution during the terminal elimination phase (Vd(beta) BDL vs control 114 +/- 63 vs 50 +/- 7 and 202 +/- 24 vs 115 +/- 11 ml/kg for naproxen and NAP-HSA, respectively). After injection of LPS, no significant change in the pharmacokinetics of NAP-HSA was found whereas the naproxen treated control animals showed an increase in the terminal volume of distribution (176 +/- 34 vs 115 +/- 11 ml/kg) as well as an elevation of the plasma half-life (171 +/- 27 vs 116 +/- 14 min). The feasibility of targeting naproxen to the chronically diseased liver could be clearly demonstrated: 15 min after administration of the conjugate 46% and 55% of the administered dose was found in the liver of CTR and BDL rats, whereas after injection of free naproxen only 5% and 12% of the dose was detected in liver tissue, respectively. We conclude that targeting albumin-linked naproxen to non-parenchymal cells in the liver is still feasible under the pathological conditions induced in the present study. Liver fibrosis induced significant alterations in the pharmacokinetic behaviour of the studied compounds.

Animals↗

S-Naproxen and desmethylnaproxen glucuronidation by human liver microsomes and recombinant human UDP-glucuronosyltransferases (UGT): role of UGT2B7 in the elimination of naproxen.

AIMS: To characterize the kinetics of S-naproxen ('naproxen') acyl glucuronidation and desmethylnaproxen acyl and phenolic glucuronidation by human liver microsomes and identify the human UGT isoform(s) catalysing these reactions. METHODS: Naproxen and desmethylnaproxen glucuronidation were investigated using microsomes from six and five livers, respectively. Human recombinant UGTs were screened for activity towards naproxen and desmethylnaproxen. Where significant activity was observed, kinetic parameters were determined. Naproxen and desmethylnaproxen glucuronides were measured by separate high-performance liquid chromatography methods. RESULTS: Naproxen acyl glucuronidation by human liver microsomes followed biphasic kinetics. Mean apparent K(m) values (+/-SD, with 95% confidence interval in parentheses) for the high- and low-affinity components were 29 +/- 13 microm (16, 43) and 473 +/- 108 microm (359, 587), respectively. UGT 1A1, 1A3, 1A6, 1A7, 1A8, 1A9, 1A10 and 2B7 glucuronidated naproxen. UGT2B7 exhibited an apparent K(m) (72 microm) of the same order as the high-affinity human liver microsomal activity, which was inhibited by the UGT2B7 selective 'probe' fluconazole. Although data for desmethylnaproxen phenolic glucuronidation by human liver microsomes were generally adequately fitted to either the single- or two-enzyme Michaelis-Menten equation, model fitting was inconclusive for desmethylnaproxen acyl glucuronidation. UGT 1A1, 1A7, 1A9 and 1A10 catalysed both the phenolic and acyl glucuronidation of desmethylnaproxen, while UGT 1A3, 1A6 and 2B7 formed only the acyl glucuronide. Atypical glucuronidation kinetics were variably observed for naproxen and desmethylnaproxen glucuronidation by the recombinant UGTs. CONCLUSION: UGT2B7 is responsible for human hepatic naproxen acyl glucuronidation, which is the primary elimination pathway for this drug.

Glucuronosyltransferase↗

Comparative bioavailability study on naproxen betainate sodium salt monohydrate and naproxen sodium salt in healthy volunteers.

The S-naproxen betainate sodium salt monohydrate (naproxen-betaNa, CAS 104124-26-7, Aprenin, test drug), and the sodium salt of S-naproxen (reference), were administered to twelve healthy volunteers of both sexes according to a crossover design, in a single dose of one 575 mg capsule of test, containing 342 mg of S-naproxen and two 275 mg tablets of reference, containing 502 mg of S-naproxen. Blood samples were drawn off over a 24-h period before (time 0) and after administration at foreseen time intervals. Naproxen was measured in plasma by a validated HPLC assay with UV detection which was able to detect 1 microgram/ml and proved to be linear in the range 1-100 micrograms/ml. The non-compartmental pharmacokinetic parameters obtained were statistically processed according to the EU guidance note on bioavailability and bioequivalence Cmax, AUC0-24h and AUC0-infinity were normalized to the dose of 502 mg of naproxen and log-transformed before statistical analysis to assess bioequivalence. Dose-normalized values of plasma concentrations encountered with the two formulations proved to overlap, with the exception of the first sampling time which showed naproxen concentrations that were higher with test drug than with reference. The specific test for bioequivalence led to 90% confidence intervals within the 80-125% range with target pharmacokinetic parameters, whereas the time to peak (tmax) observed with the test and reference drugs did not differ to any statistically significant degree when analysed with Wilcoxon's non-parametric test. It is concluded that the test drug should be declared bioequivalent with the reference drug in terms of dose-normalized concentrations, despite the more rapid increase in plasma concentrations of naproxen observed at the first sampling time with test drug.

Adult↗

Analgesic effect of naproxen sodium, codeine, a naproxen-codeine combination and aspirin on the postoperative pain of oral surgery.

In a double-blind study, 198 outpatients with pain after oral surgery were randomly assigned to treatment with a single oral dose of naproxen sodium 550 mg, codeine sulfate 60 mg, a combination of naproxen sodium 550 mg with codeine sulfate 60 mg, aspirin 650 mg or placebo. Using a self-rating record, subjects rated their pain and its relief hourly for 12 hours after medication. Orthogonal contrasts for the four treatments making up the factorial component showed that the naproxen effect was significant for every measurement of total and peak analgesia; the codeine effect was significant for total and peak pain relief and patients' overall evaluation. The naproxen-codeine interaction was not statistically significant for any measure, which suggests that the analgesic effect of the combination represents the additive effect of its constituents. Based on pairwise comparisons, aspirin was significantly superior to placebo for most measures of effect, naproxen was significantly superior to both aspirin and codeine for all measures and the combination was significantly superior to naproxen for patients' overall evaluation. No more patients experienced adverse effects with aspirin or naproxen than with placebo, but significantly more patients receiving the codeine-containing treatments experienced adverse effects than those receiving aspirin and naproxen.

Adolescent↗

Synthesis and anti-inflammatory activity of a series of N-substituted naproxen glycolamides: nitric oxide-donor naproxen prodrugs.

A series of glycolamide naproxen prodrugs containing a nitrate group as a nitric oxide (NO) donor moiety has been synthesized. These compounds were evaluated for their anti-inflammatory activity, naproxen release, and gastric tolerance. Compounds 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 7b, and 7c exhibited anti-inflammatory activity equivalent to that of the parent NSAID, naproxen-Na, in the rat carrageenan paw edema model. At equimolar doses relative to naproxen-Na, the NO-donor glycolamide derivatives 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 7b, and 7c were gastro-sparing in the rat. Naproxen formation from these NO-donor glycolamides varied among the structures examined, with the N-substituent on the amide group having a particular influence, and demonstrated their prodrug nature. Compound 7b was selected for exemplary demonstration that the glycolamide nitrates can be bioactivated to release NO. These data open the possibility that naproxen glycolamide nitrates may represent a safer alternative to naproxen as anti-inflammatory medicines.

Amides↗

Macromolecular prodrugs. XV. Colon-targeted delivery--bioavailability of naproxen from orally administered dextran-naproxen ester prodrugs varying in molecular size in the pig.

The bioavailability of naproxen after oral administration of aqueous solutions of various dextran-naproxen ester prodrugs in pigs was determined. The dextran prodrugs employed ranged in molecular weight from 10,000 to 500,000. As calculated relative to an equivalent oral dose of parent naproxen, the absorption fractions of all the derivatives were close to 100%. Only small interindividual variation of naproxen bioavailability was observed. The naproxen plasma profiles for all the administered prodrugs exhibited a characteristic lag time of naproxen appearance in the blood (2-3 hr). Compared to administration of the prodrugs alone, coadministration of excess of the parent dextran further delayed the absorption of naproxen from the GI tract. The results of the present study demonstrate the potential of dextran prodrugs for colon site-specific delivery of drugs containing a carboxylic acid functional group.

Administration, Oral↗

Naproxen suppositories in combination with oral naproxen, indomethacin and ibuprofen in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

A single-blind, crossover trial was carried out in 30 rheumatoid arthritis patients to compare the effectiveness and tolerance of 250 mg naproxen, 400 mg ibuprofen and 25 mg indomethacin twice daily in patients treated concurrently with a night-time 500 mg naproxen suppository. Each day-time drug was given for 3 weeks. Naproxen suppositories were used for the whole 9 weeks of the study. No difference between the combination treatments was seen in pain and morning stiffness, while articular index and P.I.P. joint size tended to improve most during the naproxen tablet and suppository phase. Patients' and physician's preferences were both significantly in favour of the naproxen tablet and suppository phase. Side-effects were similar during all treatment phases, except for vertigo which occurred during the indomethacin capsule and naproxen suppository phase. Combinations of two non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs have been shown to be effective and well tolerated but to have no advantage over treatment with only one drug. Naproxen suppositories have been shown to be well tolerated over a 9-week period.

Administration, Oral↗

Mechanism of action of a new anti-inflammatory agent, naproxen (II). Effects of naproxen on activities of mucopolysaccharase, acid protease and collagenolytic enzymes in inflamed tissues.

In order to elucidate the biochemical anti-inflammatory properties of naproxen, the effects of this compound on activities of mucopolysaccharase [beta-glucuronidase (beta-Gase) and lysozyme (LZ)], acid protease (APase) and collagenolytic enzyme (CL) in inflamed tissues were investigated by means of a proliferative inflammatory model in filter-paper-implanted rats. In the preventive test, naproxen strongly inhibited granuloma formation and exudate accumulation as did indomethacin and prednisolone. Although the inhibitory effects of naproxen on all these enzymes were quite evident, indomethacin failed to inhibit APase activity. Prednisolone did not significantly inhibit LZ and APase activities in granuloma. In the curative test, prednisolone caused a marked decrease in the weight of the granuloma already formed and in the volume of the exudate, but with naproxen and indomethacin there was only a slight decrease. Naproxen and indomethacin induced slight but significant inhibition of LZ and CL activities, while prednisolone showing a weak inhibition of CL activity only. From these results, it may be concluded that anti-inflammatory and anti-rheumatic effects of naproxen are partly attributable to its inhibitory actions on these lysosomal enzymes.

Adenosine Triphosphatases↗