Question

Which of the following has a half-life of 45 Hrs?

(a) Piroxicam

(b) Phenylbutazone

(c) Ibuprofen

(d) Indomethacin

The question was asked in unit test.

Question is from Drug Addiction and Abuse in chapter Local & General Anesthetics, Opioid Analgesics, Drug Addiction and Drug Abuse of Drug Biotechnology

Answer 1

Right choice is (a) Piroxicam

For explanation I would say: Phenylbutazone a pyrazolone derivative is a powerful anti-inflammatory drug but its usefulness is limited by its toxicity chiefly short-term therapy. Piroxicam has a half-life of 45 hours and thus can be administered once a day but it can show some GI disturbance. Ibuprofen is a propionic acid derivative has the same potency as acetyl Salicylate but better tolerated (fewer side effects). Indomethacin is an indole derivative more potent than ASA but inferior at doses tolerated by rheumatoid arthritis patients, quite toxic.