NSAIDs

Question 1

3 unwanted CV effects of NSAIDs (renal toxicity)

Answer 1

vasoconstriction, salt and water retention, reduced effect of antihypertensives

Question 2

3 causes of CV death by NSAIDs

Answer 2

hypertension, MI, stroke

Question 3

why shouldn’t NSAIDs be taken by asthmatics

Answer 3

COX enzyme inhibition favours production of leukotrienes, which are bronchoconstrictiors

Question 4

way in which NSAIDs can cause renal toxicity

Answer 4

constriction of afferent renal arteriole -> reduction in renal artery flow -> reduced GFR

Question 5

what do all NSAIDs increase risk of

Answer 5

GI bleeds, CVS events

Question 6

4 major side effects of aspirin at therapeutic dose (due to irreversible binding, not selectivity to COX-1)

Answer 6

gastric irritation and ulceration, bronchospasm in sensitive asthmatics, prolonged bleeding times, nephrotoxicity

Question 7

what does aspirin and viral infection cause in young people

Answer 7

Reye’s syndrome (damage to mitochondria leading to ammonia production, resulting in damage to astrocytes and oedema in brain)