Fenbufen: a review of its pharmacological properties and therapeutic use in rheumatic diseases and acute pain

Abstract

Fenbufen is a phenylalkanoic acid derivative with analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity. The anti-inflammatory activity appears to reside in the metabolites. Published data indicate that fenbufen 600 to 1000mg daily is comparable in effectiveness to therapeutic doses (3 to 4g) of aspirin, indomethacin (75 to 100mg) or phenylbutazone (300 to 400mg) in rheumatoid arthritis, but generally causes fewer side effects. At a daily dosage of 600mg, fenbufen is comparable with aspirin 3.6g or indomethacin 75mg in osteoarthritis. Initial studies suggest that fenbufen 600 to 900mg daily is at least as effective as ibuprofen 1200 to 1800mg of fenoprofen 1800 to 2400mg daily. It has not been compared with naproxen or sulindac in adequate numbers of patients. Fenbufen is effective when given twice daily and there is some evidence that once daily dosage is adequate in known responders to the drug. As with other non-steroidal alkanoic acid drugs, gastrointestinal complaints are the most frequently reported side effects, but there have been no reports of peptic ulcer to date.