Session 8.2 - NSAIDs

Question 1

Celecoxib

Etoricoxib

Answer 1

Drug Class: NSAIDs –> Selective COX-2 inhibitor

Mechanism of Action: Inhibit COX-2, reducing production of PGI2,
Less GI ADRs as it’s targeting COX-2 signalling

Common Indicators: Osteoarthritis, RA

ADRs: Increased risk of MI, due to decreased PGI2 production

Important drug-drug rxns: Competitive displacement of some drugs, increasing the free drug concentration (eg. methotrexate, warfarin)

Question 2

Paracetamol

Answer 2

Drug Class: Non-NSAID, Non-opiate

Mechanism of Action: Unclear

Common Indicators: Analgesia, Antipyretic

ADRs: Overdose - NAPQI

Important drug-drug rxns: none

Question 3

N-Acetylcysteine

Answer 3

Drug Class: Paracetamol overdose antidote

Mechanism of Action: Glutathione thiol replacement, prevents action of NAPQI

Common Indicators: antidote

ADRs: none

Important drug-drug rxns: none

Question 4

Aspirin

Answer 4

Drug Class: Selective COX-1 Inhibitors

Mechanism of Action: Low dose –> prevents platelet aggregation by inhibiting TXA2 synthesis

Common Indicators: ACS

ADRs: GI ADRs (COX-1 selective) - Peptic ulceration, bleeding

Important drug-drug rxns: none