BDS3 - pain pathway and pain meds Flashcards
What is produced when there is tissue injury seeing damage to the phospholipid cell membrane
arachidonic acid
after the release of arachidonic acid , what 2 pathways may be followed
cycloxygenase
5-lipoxygenase
discuss the cycloxygenase pathway
after tissue injury arachidonic acid is produced
enzymes cox 1 and cox 2 facilitate conversion of arachidonic acid to prostaglandins and thromboxane
prostaglandins what do they do (brief in regards to pain)
don’t cause pain directly , instead sensitise tissues to other inflammatory products which do cause pain
(lipids)
what does thromboxane do
induces platelet aggregation and vasoconstriction
(hormone)
discuss the 5 - lipoxygenase pathway
after tissue injury arachidonic acid is produced
enzyme 5 - lipoxygenase facilitates conversion of arachidonic acid to leukotrienes
function of leukotrienes
bronchoconstriction, smooth muscle contraction
involved in asthma attacks
effect of prostaglandins in the stomach
inhibit gastric acid secretion
increase blood flow in gastric mucosa
aid mucin production by stomach cells
what properties do NSAIDs have
anti pyretic
anti inflammatory
analgesic
why can aspirin cause mucosal burns if placed topically
contains salicylic acid
NSAIDs mechanism of action
inhibit cycloxygenase pathway therefore inhibit production of prostaglandins and thromboxane
name 6 groups that NSAID prescription should be cautioned
GIT issues
elderly
pregnant/ lactating
hepatic impairment
renal impairment
asthma
taking other NSAIDs
long term systemic steroids
hypersensitivity to any NSAIDS (contraindicated)
where are NSAIDs metabolised
liver
why should NSAIDs be avoided in asthmatics
can induce bronchospasm (tightening of muscles lining lungs)
why should NSAIDs be avoided when pregnant
especially in 3rd trimester
decreased platelets means increased risk of haemmhoraging and increased risk of jaundice in the baby
