Drugs for Inflammation and Fever Flashcards
Bradykinin (Chemical Mediator of Inflammation)
Present in an inactive form in plasma and mast cells
Vasodilator that causes pain
Effects similar to histamine
Broken down by angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)
Complement (Chemical Mediator of Inflammation)
Series of at least 20 proteins that combine in a cascade fashion to neutralize or destroy an antigen;
Stimulates histamine release by mast cells
C-Reactive Protein (Chemical Mediator of Inflammation)
Protein found in the plasma that is an early marker of inflammation
Cytokines (Chemical Mediator of Inflammation)
Proteins produced by macrophages, leukocytes, and dendritic cells that mediate and regulate immune and inflammatory reactions.
Histamine (Chemical Mediator of Inflammation)
Stored and released by mast cells
Causes vasodilation, smooth-muscle constriction, tissue swelling, and itching
Leukotrienes (Chemical Mediator of Inflammation)
Stored and released by mast cells
Effects are similar to histamine
Contribute to symptoms of asthma and allergies
Prostaglandins (Chemical Mediator of Inflammation)
Present in most tissues and stored and released by mast cells.
Increase capillary permeability, attract white blood cells to the site of inflammation, cause pain, and induce fever
Anaphylaxis
Acute allergic response to an antigen that results in severe hypotension and may lead to life-threatening shock if untreated
Aspirin adverse effects
Stomach pain Heartburn Nausea Vomiting Tinnitus Prolonged bleeding time
Celecoxib (Celebrex) (Selective COX-2 Inhibitor) adverse effects
Back pain Peripheral edema Abdominal pain Dyspepsia Flatulence Dizziness Headache Insomnia Hypertension
What are the four signs of inflammation?
Swelling
Pain
Warmth
Redness
Describe the role of histamine in the inflammation process
As part of an immune response to foreign pathogens, histamine is produced by basophils and by mast cells found in nearby connective tissues. Histamine increases the permeability of the capillaries to white blood cells and some proteins, to allow them to engage pathogens in the infected tissues.
Describe the role of Mast Cells in the inflammation process
Detect foreign agents or injury
Respond by releasing histamine (initiates inflammatory response within seconds)
What are the five chemical mediators of inflammation?
Histamine Leukotrienes Bradykinin Complement Prostaglandins
Describe the mechanism of action for NSAIDs
Inhibit synthesis of prostaglandins
Block inflammation by inhibiting cycooxygenase (COX)
Describe the mechanism of action for Salicylates
Prevent formation of inflammatory prostaglandins
What are the indications for NSAIDs?
Mild to moderate pain, inflammation and fever
Have analgesic, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory responses
What are the indications for Salicylates?
Protective effect
Taken in small doses to prevent clot formation, MIs and strokes
Salicylism (syndrome)
Includes headache, tinnitus and dizziness
Can occur when given high doses of aspirin
What are corticosteroids and what is their role in the body?
Natural hormones released by the adrenal cortex.
Ability to suppress severe inflammation.
Adverse effects of corticosteroids
Suppression of the normal functions of adrenal gland, hyperglycemia, mood changes, cataracts, peptic ulcers, electrolyte imbalances and osteoporosis.
Combination of masking signs of active infection and suppressing the immune response creates a potential for infection to grow rapidly and remain undetected.
What is the mechanism of action of Corticosteroids?
Inhibit biosynthesis of prostaglandins
Suppress histamine release
Inhibit function of phagocytes and lymphocytes
What are three anti-pyretic drugs to treat a fever?
Aspirin, ibuprofen and acetaminophen
What is G6PD deficiency?
A genetic disorder that most often affects males. It happens when the body doesn’t have enough of an enzyme (G6PD), which helps red blood cells work. Also protects them from substances in the blood that could harm them