Pharmacology

Question 1

Would COX-1 selective, COX-2 selective or non-selective NSAIDs be most useful in lumbar back pain?

Answer 1

COX-2 selective - COX-2 is induced by an inflammatory stimulus & releases inflammatory mediators. Blocking COX-1 is the usual mechanism of GI side effects, so this is best to be avoided if possible

Question 2

Which pathway - COX-1 or COX-2 is most involved in coagulation?

Answer 2

COX-1, therefore we need COX-1 inhibition for an NSAID to have cardiovascular protective effects