L13-15: Handout Flashcards
What is the prototype drug of NSAIDs?
Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid, ASA)
Aspirin is recognized for its analgesic, antipyretic, and anti-inflammatory properties.
What are the major effects of aspirin?
- Analgesic
- Antipyretic
- Anti-inflammatory
Aspirin is valued for its low cost and availability without prescription.
What type of enzymes does aspirin inhibit?
Cyclooxygenase (COX-1 and COX-2)
Aspirin causes irreversible inhibition of both COX enzymes.
What is the pharmacokinetics of aspirin?
- Rapid absorption from the stomach
- Peak plasma concentration: 2-4 hours
- Binds to plasma proteins: 50-90%
Absorption occurs mainly in the upper small intestine.
Fill in the blank: Aspirin lowers body temperature only in _______ patients.
febrile
Aspirin is antipyretic and does not lower temperature in normal patients.
What are the common adverse effects of eicosanoids?
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Bronchoconstriction
- Hypo- or hypertension
- Syncope
- Flushing
- Dizziness
These effects can occur due to their action on various tissues and organs.
Which COX enzyme is constitutively expressed?
COX-1
COX-1 has ‘housekeeping functions’ and is always present.
What are the major differences between COX-1 and COX-2?
- COX-1: constitutive, housekeeping functions
- COX-2: inducible, expressed in response to stimuli
COX-2 is mainly responsible for the synthesis of prostacyclin in endothelial cells.
What is the role of prostaglandins in inflammation?
- Cause pain
- Promote vasodilation
- Increase vascular permeability
Prostaglandins are key mediators in the inflammatory response.
What are some examples of NSAIDs?
- Ibuprofen
- Naproxen
- Diclofenac
- Celecoxib
- Ketorolac
- Piroxicam
These drugs vary in their specific properties and mechanisms of action.
True or False: Aspirin is effective as an analgesic in non-inflamed painful conditions.
False
Aspirin’s analgesic action is generally limited to low intensity pain arising from inflammation.
What is the mechanism of action of acetaminophen?
Inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis
Acetaminophen has different actions compared to NSAIDs, particularly in pain relief.
What are the clinical uses of dinoprostone (PGE2)?
- Abortion
- Facilitating labor
- Treatment of dysmenorrhea
Dinoprostone has specific applications in obstetrics and gynecology.
Fill in the blank: COX-2 inhibitors like celecoxib preferentially inhibit _______.
COX-2
Celecoxib has major differences in action compared to non-specific COX inhibitors.
What is the effect of PGE1 (alprostadil) in males?
Enhances penile erection
PGE1 relaxes smooth muscles in the corpus cavernosum.
What are the pharmacological actions of leukotrienes?
- Bronchoconstriction
- Enhance inflammation
- Chemotaxis
Leukotrienes play a significant role in asthma and allergic responses.
What is the role of misoprostol in treating peptic ulcer disease?
Reduces gastric acid secretion
Misoprostol is a PGE1 analog.
Define the arachidonate cascade.
The metabolic pathway involving the release of arachidonic acid and its conversion to eicosanoids
This cascade is crucial in inflammation and pain modulation.
What factors can elevate body temperature in hyperthermia?
- Exercise
- Heat stroke
- Drugs
- Hypothalamic lesions
These factors differ from those causing fever, which is regulated by the hypothalamus.
What is the plasma concentration of aspirin?
Low
Aspirin binds to plasma proteins (50-90%)
What type of kinetics does aspirin follow at low doses?
First order kinetics
What type of kinetics does aspirin follow at high doses?
Zero order kinetics
What is the plasma half-life of salicylate at low doses?
3-6 hours
What is the plasma half-life of salicylate at high doses?
15-30 hours
What effect does alkaline urine (pH 8) have on salicylate excretion?
Enhances salicylate excretion
What are the main pharmacodynamic effects of aspirin?
- Anti-inflammatory effect
- Analgesic effect
- Antipyretic effect
- Platelet effects