NSAIDs Flashcards
What is the mechanism of action of NSAIDs?
Inhibit prostaglandin biosynthesis by inhibit cyclo-oxygenase (COX)
What is COX?
A key enzyme in the synthesis of prostaglandins and thromboxanes
What is the function of prostaglandins and thromboxanes?
Important mediators of the erythema, oedema, pain, and fever in inflammation
What are the isoforms of COX?
COX-1 (constitutive form)
COX-2 (inducible form)
Where is COX-1 present?
Platelets, stomach, kidneys, and other tissues
Where is COX-2 present?
In inflamed tissues when there is stimulation by cytokines.
Also present to a lesser extent in healthy organs, including the kidneys
What was the intention with the development of selective COX-2 inhibitors?
Reduced gastric toxicity
What is the problem with the development of COX-2 inhibitors?
Several of the developed drugs increased anti-thrombotic events, probably as a class effect related to inhibition of basal prostacyciln biosynthesis.
What is the use of NSAIDs?
Provide symptomatic relief in acute and chronic inflammation
Other kinds of pain, including mild (headaches, dysmennorhoea, muscular sprains) and severe (metastatic bone cancer) might also respond to NSAIDs
Do NSAIDs change the course in chronic inflammatory conditions?
No
How does aspirin differ from other NSAIDs?
It irreversibly inhibits COX-1, and so can be used as an anti-platelet drug, as well as maintaining its mild analgesic effects
What systems might experience adverse effects as a result of NSAID use?
GI, renal, respiratory, CVS, hepatic.
What are the GI adverse effects of NSAIDs?
Gastritis, gastric mucosal ulceration and bleeding
What are the renal adverse effects of NSAIDs?
Vasoregulatory renal impairment, hyperkalaemia, nephritis, interstitial nephritis, nephrotic syndrome
What are the respiratory adverse effects of NSAIDs?
Bronchospasm