NSAIDs Flashcards
Compare and contrast the clinical actions of aspirin and ibuprofen.
Both aspirin and ibuprofen are:
(1) Anti-inflammatory
(2) Analgesic
(3) Antipyretic
Aspirin but NOT ibuprofen is an irreversible cyclo-oxygenase (COX) inhibitor and so a potent:
(4) Anti-platelet
What would be the usual analgesic choice for a child with mild to moderate pain?
Paracetamol would usually be the preferred first choice. Ibuprofen may be considered if greater anti-inflammatory action and analgesia is required.
Why does indometacin have a stronger anti-inflammatory profile than other nonselective NSAIDs?
Besides being a non-selective inhibitor of cyclo-oxygenase (COX), indometacin also inhibits phospholipase A2 (highest upstream). Thus, indometacin reduces the production of leukotrienes, in addition to prostanoids, and so has a broader spectrum anti-inflammatory effect.
Which form of cyclo-oxygenase is expressed in inflammatory cells at sites of acute inflammation.
Inducible cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX-2)
Why might a premature baby be administered indometacin?
To close the ductus
arteriosus
Why should etoricoxib be used with caution in a patient with active peptic ulcers?
Etoricoxib will impair wound healing and so pre-existing peptic ulcers are likely to persist.
What is the MOST common adverse effect of paracetamol at clinical analgesic doses?
Nausea
List THREE NSAIDs with greater selectivity for cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX-2) over COX-1.
Etoricoxib, parecoxib (pro-drug of valdecoxib), celecoxib, meloxicam, mefenamic acid
Which NSAID has the greatest risk of precipitating an asthma attack in a patient with NSAID exacerbated respiratory disease (NERD)?
Aspirin because it is an irreversible inhibitor of cyclo-oxygenase (COX)
Which NSAIDs has the strongest anti-platelet effect?
Aspirin because it is an irreversible inhibitor of cyclo-oxygenase (COX)
What is the MOST common clinical use of aspirin?
Aspirin is still used clinically as an antiplatelet agent in patients at risk of thrombotic cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disease.
It is no longer commonly used as an analgesic or anti-inflammatory agent as other NSAIDs with a lower risk of gastrointestinal adverse effects and bleeding are available.
What is the MOST common adverse effect of non-selective NSAIDs?
Nausea and other gastrointestinal adverse effects
What is the normal function of prostaglandins in the stomach?
Protective effects:
(1) Increase bicarbonate secretion
(2) Increase mucus secretion
(3) Increase blood flow to mucosa
(4) Decrease acid secretion
Why do NSAID-induced pseudoallergic reactions occur?
Inhibition of cyclo-oxygenase (COX) causes shunting of arachidonic acid to overflow into the 5-lipoxygenase pathway for the production of leukotrienes. Leukotrienes activate cysteinyl leukotriene receptors promoting mast cell degranulation and allergic responses.
List common natural sources of salicylates that may be found in traditional or alternative medicines and supplements.
White willow (Salix alba) bark Meadowsweet (Filipendula spp. formerly Spirea spp.)