Analgesics

Question 0

Selective Cox-2 inhibitors

Answer 0

• Prototype drug: celecoxib (Celebrex)
• Mechanism of action: is similar to the NSAIDs
• Primary use: to relieve pain, fever, inflammation
• Adverse effects: mild and related to GI syste

Question 1

Salicylates

Answer 1

• Prototype drug: aspirin (ASA)
• Mechanism of action: as anticoagulant, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic
• Adverse effects: with high doses may cause GI distress and bleeding
• May increase action of oral hypoglycemic agents

Question 2

NSAIDS

Answer 2

• Prototype drug: ibuprofen (Motrin)
• Mechanism of action: to inhibit cyclooxygenase and prevent formation of prostaglandins
• Primary use: for mild or moderate pain and to reduce inflammation
• Adverse effects: GI upset, acute renal failure

Question 3

Nonopoiod analgesic

Answer 3

• Prototype drug: acetaminophen (Tylenol)
• Mechanism of action: to treat mild pain by mildly inhibiting prostaglandins
• Primary use: treatment of fever and to relieve pain
• Adverse effects: uncommon with therapeutic doses, overdoses are lethal

Question 4

Opioid (narcotic) analgesic

Answer 4

• Prototype drug: Opioid agonists (morphine)
• Mechanism of action: interacts with specific receptors
• Primary use: for analgesia and anesthesia
• Adverse effects: respiratory depression, sedation, nausea, and vomiting

Question 5

Opioid antagonist

Answer 5

• Prototype drug: naloxone (Narcan)
• Mechanism of action: interact with receptors
• Primary use: to reverse respiratory depression and other acute symptoms

Question 6

Anti migraine agents

Answer 6

• Tripans
• Prototype drug: sumatriptan (Imitrex)
• Mechanism of action: to act as serotonin agonists, constricting certain intracranial vessels
• Primary use: to abort migraines with or without auras
• Adverse effects: GI upset, increase in blood pressure

Question 7

Ergot Alkaloids

Answer 7

• Example: Ergotamine tartrate (Ergostat)
• Mechanism of action: to promote vasoconstriction
• Primary use: to terminate ongoing migraines
• Adverse effects: GI upset, weakness in the legs, myalgia, numbness and tingling in fingers and toes, angina-like pain, tachycardia

Question 8

Anti-inflammatory Drugs—

Systemic Glucocorticoid

Answer 8

• Prototype drug: prednisone (Meticorten)
• Mechanism of action: being metabolized to an active form of glucocorticoid
• Primary use: to treat inflammation
• Adverse effects: long-term therapy may result in Cushing’s syndrome

Question 9

Antipyretics

Answer 9

• Prototype drug: acetaminophen (Tylenol)
• Mechanism of action: to reduce fever by direct action at level of hypothalamus and dilation of peripheral blood vessels
• Enables sweating and dissipation of heat
• Primary use: to relieve pain and reduce fever; no anti-inflammatory actions
• Adverse effects: possible liver damage; causes less gastric irritation than aspirin; does not affect blood coagulation