IBUPROFEN - C13H18O2
NSAID (anti-inflammatory)
(RS)-2-(4-(2-methylpropyl)phenyl)propanoic acid
Key: White = Hydrogen, Black = Carbon, Red = Oxygen
History and Discovery of Ibruprofen
Ibuprofen was discovered by Dr. Stewart Adams in England in the 1950's but wasn't patented until 1961. It became available in the United States in 1974. It was originally created as an anti-inflammatory, soothing pain reliever that was a prescribed medicine called Brufen. It was the first over the counter pain reliever. Before its release, people used aspirin.
Structure and Chemical Formula of Ibruprofen
The chemical formula for Ibuprofen is C13H18O2. The C13 stands for 13 Carbon atoms. The H18 stands for 18 Hydrogen atoms and the O2 stands for 2 Oxygen atoms. They all chemically bond or combine to create Ibuprofen. It is a covalent bond. A covalent bond formed by the sharing of a pair of electrons by two atoms.Ibuprofen is a powdery white capsule, tablet, or powder used to stop swelling. Ibuprofen is a very popular pain relieving drug. It's scientific name is (RS)-2-(4-(2-methylpropyl)phenyl)propanoic acid.
Function of Ibuprofen
This drug is used as a pain reliever, to stop swelling, stop fever, and to treat arthritis. This drug is the main drug in Advil, Motrin, Nuprin. Ibuprofen blocks the production of prostaglandins, substances our body releases in response to illness and injury. That means it blocks the pain of an injury so the body can heal. It is a very important medicine and many people use it.
Interesting Information
An interesting fact is that Ibuprofen was first sold as an arthritis drug. Then it was believed to cure Cystic Fibrosis in high doses. However, early in its release, it was illegal to give it in a high dosage. Another interesting fact is that it has a side effect of bad stomach irritation. The longer you take this medicine, the worse the stomach pain may be.