Nabumetone is a non-acidic NSAID prodrug that is rapidly metabolized in the liver to the active metabolite, 6-methoxy-2-naphthyl acetic acid. Nabumetone's active metabolite inhibits the cyclooxygenase enzyme and preferentially blocks COX-2 activity (which is indirectly responsible for the production of inflammation and pain during arthritis). The active metabolite of nabumetone is felt to be the compound primarily responsible for therapeutic effect. Comparatively, the parent drug is a poor inhibitor of COX-2 byproducts, particularly prostaglandins. It may be less nephrotoxic than indomethacin.[7] There are two known polymorphs of the compound.[8] Nabumetone has little effect on renal prostaglandin secretion and less of an association with heart failure than other traditional drugs of the class.[9] Effects of nabumetone on blood pressure control in hypertensive patients on ACE inhibitors are also good,[clarification needed] equivalent to paracetamol.[10]
In 2022, it was the 239th most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with more than 1million prescriptions.[11][12]
Medical uses
Nabumetone is indicated for relief of signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.[2]
In October 2020, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) required the prescription drug label to be updated for all nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications to describe the risk of kidney problems in unborn babies that result in low amniotic fluid.[14][15] They recommend avoiding NSAIDs in pregnant women at 20 weeks or later in pregnancy.[14][15]
Society and culture
Brand names
It is sold under many brand names, including Relafen,[2] Relifex, and Gambaran.
^Olsen NV, Jensen NG, Hansen JM, Christensen NJ, Fogh-Andersen N, Kanstrup IL (October 1999). "Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and renal response to exercise: a comparison of indomethacin and nabumetone". Clinical Science. 97 (4): 457–465. doi:10.1042/cs0970457. PMID10491346. S2CID33526598.
^Price CP, Grzesiak AL, Lang M, Matzger AJ (2002). "Polymorphism of Nabumetone". Crystal Growth & Design. 2 (6): 501–503. doi:10.1021/cg0255568.
^Donnan PT (2000). "098. A Drug-Safety Study to Examine the Possible Association of Congestive Heart Failure with Dispensed Nabumetone, Ibuprofen and other Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs". Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety. 8 (S2): S115. doi:10.1002/(SICI)1099-1557(199908)8:2+<S79::AID-PDS429>3.0.CO;2-2.
