Pharmacological studies on carprofen, a new non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, in animals

Abstract

The pharmacological profile of carprofen as a new non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug has been established in various experimental inflammation models in animals. This compound possesses marked effects on prevention of adjuvant arthritis, cotton-pellet granuloma formation and hyperalgesic edema (scalding) and the extent is similar to that observed with indomethacin and piroxicam. The anti-inflammatory potency of carprofen is markedly stronger than those seen in cases of phenylbutazone, mefenamic acid, ibufenac and acetylsalicylic acid, almost equal to that of diclofenac and slightly lower than that of indomethacin in the following parameters: carrageenin-edema, granuloma-pouch, UV-erythema, and bradykinin and histamine-induced capillary permeability. As is the case with other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, carprofen has no inhibitory effect on lethal anaphylactic shock, passive cutaneous anaphylaxis and hyperuricemia. Carprofen induces ulcerogenicity and fecal occult bleeding to a extent markedly less than those seen with indomethacin and piroxicam. These investigations on anti-inflammatory drugs indicate a probable dissimilarity to the extent of anti-inflammatory effects and induction of gastrointestinal disturbances. Repeated administration of carprofen has no effect on spontaneous excretion of corticosterone and aldosterone into adrenal vein of rats. © 1977, The Japanese Pharmacological Society. All rights reserved.