NSAIDs (I & II) Flashcards
Pain is..
The unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated w actual or potential TISSUE DAMAGE.
NSAIDs inhibit..
COX enzymes, thus inhibiting prostaglandin pdn (thus, less potent than steroids)
Steroids inhibit phospholipase A2 (more potent)
Isomerases of Prostanoids:
- Prostacyclin (PGI2)
- Prostaglandins (PGE2)
- Thromboxanes (TXA2)
Steroids inhibit..
Phospholipase A2
- inhibits process higher up
- thus, inhibiting formation of all eicosanoids
- in long term, it will suppress immune response
Uses of Aspirin
- Anti-inflammatory
- Analgesic (pain)
- Anti-pyretic (fever)
- Anti-platelet
Explain why there is an ‘analgesic ceiling’.
Tissue injury-> 1. Bradykinins 2. Leukotrienes 3. Prostaglandins
NSAIDs reduces sensitization by inhibiting prostaglandins pdn. In severe pain however, there will still be high levels of 1. & 2. that still sensitize the nociceptors to pain.
Some typical NSAIDs are..
- Naproxen
- Indomethacin
- Diclofenac
Aspirin is linked to (what syndrome)
Reye’s Syndrome
Reye’s syndrome occurs in ..
Occurs most commonly in children. Increased risk if aspirin is taken by children with viral infections.
- chickenpox patient(child or young adult) who takes aspirin ends up w Reye’s syndrome (cuz liver gets affected by both the VZV n aspirin => buildup of ammonia in body)
What is Reye’s syndrome?
- very rare but life-threatening condition mostly IN CHILDREN
- swelling of brain & liver
- increased risk if aspirin is taken by children w viral infections (e.g. chicken pox or flu)
- symptoms: vomiting, personality changes, listlessness etc etc
Caused by Aspirin in children
(thats why aspirin is no longer avail in paediatric doses)
COX 1 typically produces:
TXA2 (thromboxane)
COX 2 typically produces:
PGI2 (prostacyclins) & PGE2 (classical prostaglandins)
TXA2 (thromboxanes) effects on CVS:
Vasoconstriction
Platelet aggregation
PGI2 (prostacyclin) effect on CVS
Vasodilation
Inhibits platelet aggregation
How is Aspirin anti-pyretic?
Physiologic rxn - COX induces hypothalamus to release PGE2 (prostaglandins)=> induces fever=> body is trying to kill virus/bacteria by increasing temp
- NSAIDs block PGE2 production => reduce fever if too high
How is Aspirin Anti-inflammatory?
- blocks pdn of PGI2 n PGE2 (prostacyclin & prostaglandin)
Thus, - block vasodilation (PGI2) (less heating, redness n swelling)
- blocks increased vascular permeability (PGE2) (less swelling)
- blocks pain associated w inflammation (PGE2)