Non-steroidal anti inflammatory drugs

Question 1

NSAIDs - examples

Answer 1

• ibuprofen
• naproxen
• diclofenac

Question 2

NSAIDs - indications

Answer 2

relief of mild-moderate pain usually in relation to inflammatory related pain - for examples in:

• rheumatoid arthritis
• osteoarthritis
• acute gout

Question 3

NSAIDs - MOA

Answer 3

1) inhibits cyclo-oxygenase (COX)
2) inhibits production of prostaglandins
3) this reduces inflammation and pain

Question 4

NSAIDs - adverse effects

Answer 4

• GI upset: indigestion, stomach ache, nausea
• Stomach ulcers
• Fluid retention
• Increased risk of CVS events (MI, stroke)
• Renal impairment

Question 5

NSAIDs - cautions

Answer 5

• peptic ulcer disease
• GI bleeding
• CVD
• renal impairment

Use the safest NSAID at the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible time.

Question 6

NSAIDs - absolute contraindications

Answer 6

• severe renal impairment
• heart failure
• liver failure
• NSAID hypersensitivity

Question 7

NSAIDs - interactions

What medications when taken in combination with NSAIDs increase the risk of peptic ulcer formation?

Answer 7

• low dose aspirin

- corticosteroids

Question 8

NSAIDs - interactions

What medications when taken in combination with NSAIDs increase the risk of GI bleeding

Answer 8

• Anticoagulants (warfarin, DOAC)
• SSRI
• Venlafaxine

Question 9

NSAIDs - interactions

What medications when taken in combination with NSAIDs increase the risk of renal impariment?

Answer 9

• ACE inhibitors

- Diuretics

Question 10

NSAIDs preparations

Answer 10

available orally and topically

Question 11

NSAID - administration

Answer 11

Oral NSAIDs should be taken with food to minimise GI upset