Abstract:

Naproxen, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), was complexed with zinc (II) metal. Tests were performed to determine the analgesic, anti-inflammatory and ulcerogenic effects of zinc–naproxen compared with naproxen.

Compared with naproxen, on a molar equivalent basis, the zinc–naproxen complex was found to have greater analgesic activity (acetic acid-induced abdominal constriction and tail-flick tests in mice) and comparable anti-inflammatory activity (rat paw oedema). The zinc–naproxen complex was also less ulcerogenic than naproxen in a chronic gastric injury model.

Complexation of naproxen with zinc markedly reduces its ulcerogenic effect with better analgesic and comparable anti-inflammatory effects.

Language: English

Document Type: Research article

Affiliations: 1: Pharmacology Division, University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Panjab University, Chandigarh, 160 014, skk@panjabuniv.chd.nic.in 2: Research and Development Division, Panacea Biotec Ltd, PO Lalru, Chandigarh Road, Punjab 140 501, India *