Anti-Inflammatory Drugs Ch. 8 Flashcards

Categories of Anti-inflammatory Drugs

• Four main categories: Corticosteroids, NSAIDs, Anti-histamines, Leukotriene inhibitors

Inflammation vs. Infection

• Inflammation is a normal response of tissues and blood vessels to injury or invasion (e.g., sports injuries, pollen)
• Infection occurs when microorganisms disturb the normal environment and usually causes inflammation

What is Inflammation?

• Non-specific bodily response initiated by infectious agents, ischemia, or physical injury
• Provides immediate but temporary protection

Observable Symptoms of Inflammation

• Key symptoms include pain, swelling, heat, loss of function, and redness

Stages of Inflammatory Response

• Initial stage involves white blood cells (WBC) and changes in blood vessels, leading to swelling
• Increased WBC production and exudate (fluid leakage) in the second stage
• Final stage includes rapid cell division, new blood vessel growth, and scar tissue formation

Function of Anti-inflammatory Drugs

• Aim to prevent or limit responses to injury or invasion, enhancing comfort and minimizing tissue damage

Corticosteroids

• Most potent anti-inflammatory drugs but can mask symptoms; careful monitoring required
• If rapid onset is not achieved, consider using an alternative agent

Corticosteroids Function, Forms, and Routes

• Work by reducing all pathways of inflammatory mediator production
• Administered through various routes: oral, parenteral, inhalation, topical, joint injection, rectal, or eye drops

Intended Response of Corticosteroids

• Reduce redness, pain, and swelling at the inflammation site; improve affected area functionality

Side Effects of Corticosteroids

• Short term: hypertension, insomnia, acne, increased blood glucose levels
• Long term: adrenal gland suppression, poorer immune function, delayed wound healing, "Cushingoid" appearance

Adverse Effects of Corticosteroids

• Potential adrenal gland atrophy, infection masking, and delayed wound healing with altered infection symptoms

Corticosteroid Administration

• Pre-administration checks: confirm dosage, drug name, method of administration, assess for signs of infection, and monitor BP and weight
• Post-administration monitoring includes checking vital signs and weekly weight tracking
• Patient education includes the importance of not discontinuing abruptly, taking the drug with food, and avoiding crowded places

NSAIDs: Cyclooxygenase (COX) 1 vs. COX 2

• COX 1 promotes beneficial effects like protecting the gastrointestinal tract and maintaining renal function
• COX 2 is associated with harmful responses such as pain and inflammation

Classification of Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors

• Two categories:
  • Drugs with anti-inflammatory properties (NSAIDs including aspirin and selective COX inhibitors like celecoxib)
  • Drugs without anti-inflammatory properties (e.g., acetaminophen)

Function of NSAIDs

• Limit tissue and blood vessel responses to injury by inhibiting inflammatory mediator production via COX action

Intended Responses of NSAIDs

• Aim to reduce redness, pain, swelling, and fever while enhancing function at the inflammation site

Side and Adverse Effects of NSAIDs

• Common side effects include bleeding, GI ulcers, pain, fluid retention, and hypertension
• Adverse effects can lead to potential kidney damage or allergic reactions

Aspirin Uses

• Nonselective COX inhibitor known for analgesic, antipyretic, and anti-inflammatory properties
• Uses include suppression of platelet aggregation, management of dysmenorrhea, cancer prevention, and potential Alzheimer's prevention

Aspirin Adverse Effects

• Can cause GI bleeding, renal impairment, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), and Reye's syndrome
• Signs of aspirin toxicity include nausea and ringing in the ears

Aspirin Drug Interactions

• Increased bleeding risk with warfarin, glucocorticoids, alcohol, and ibuprofen

Non-Aspirin First Generation NSAIDs

• Similar to aspirin in inhibiting COX 1 and COX 2 but lead to reversible inhibition effects

Explore important concepts in Chapter 8 about anti-inflammatory drugs with these flashcards. Learn to distinguish between inflammation and infection, and familiarize yourself with the four categories of anti-inflammatory medications. This quiz is perfect for students studying pharmacology or medicine.