Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the primary mechanism of action of NSAIDs?
What is the primary mechanism of action of NSAIDs?
Which of the following NSAIDs is a selective COX-2 inhibitor?
Which of the following NSAIDs is a selective COX-2 inhibitor?
What is a common side effect of long-term NSAID use?
What is a common side effect of long-term NSAID use?
What is the primary reason for avoiding aspirin in children with viral infections?
What is the primary reason for avoiding aspirin in children with viral infections?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the antidote for paracetamol overdose?
What is the antidote for paracetamol overdose?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the primary benefit of selective COX-2 inhibitors?
What is the primary benefit of selective COX-2 inhibitors?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a characteristic of aspirin that distinguishes it from other NSAIDs?
What is a characteristic of aspirin that distinguishes it from other NSAIDs?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a potential complication of high-dose or long-term aspirin use?
What is a potential complication of high-dose or long-term aspirin use?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the primary effect of aspirin on the body's acid-base balance?
What is the primary effect of aspirin on the body's acid-base balance?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a common use of aspirin in high-risk patients?
What is a common use of aspirin in high-risk patients?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
- NSAIDs are a class of drugs used to reduce inflammation, pain, and fever
- They do not contain steroids and are also known as 'NSAIDs' or 'antipyretic agents'
- NSAIDs work by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins, which are involved in inflammation
- Key NSAIDs include aspirin, ibuprofen, diclofenac, and celecoxib
Mechanism of Action
- NSAIDs target two enzymes: COX-1 and COX-2
- COX-1 is responsible for normal physiological functions like protecting the stomach lining
- COX-2 is induced during inflammation and causes pain, fever, and swelling
- NSAIDs can either be non-selective (inhibit both COX-1 and COX-2) or selective COX-2 inhibitors
Benefits and Risks
- NSAIDs provide analgesic (pain-relieving), antipyretic (fever-reducing), and anti-inflammatory effects
- However, inhibiting COX-1 can also lead to stomach ulcers and bleeding
- Selective COX-2 inhibitors aim to minimize this risk by targeting only the inflammatory pathway
Specific NSAIDs
- Aspirin: Has cardiovascular protective effects but can also cause stomach bleeding and ulcers
- Ibuprofen: Common over-the-counter NSAID used for pain, fever, and inflammation in children
- Diclofenac: Potent NSAID frequently prescribed for musculoskeletal pain and inflammation
- Celecoxib: A selective COX-2 inhibitor with reduced risk of gastrointestinal side effects
Considerations
- NSAIDs should be used cautiously, especially in elderly patients or those with pre-existing conditions
- Monitoring of electrolyte balance and renal function is important with long-term NSAID use
- Potential side effects include hypertension, edema, and increased cardiovascular risk### Acetylsalicylic Acid (Aspirin) Overview
- Aspirin is the only irreversible cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitor, meaning it permanently blocks the enzyme responsible for prostaglandin production
- This gives aspirin anti-inflammatory, antipyretic (fever-reducing), and anti-platelet (blood thinning) properties
- Aspirin is commonly used to prevent heart attacks and strokes in high-risk patients due to its anti-platelet effects
Aspirin Adverse Effects
- Can cause gastrointestinal ulcers and bleeding due to reduction in protective prostaglandins
- High-dose or long-term use can lead to hyperuricemia (high uric acid levels)
- Should be avoided in children with viral infections due to risk of Reye's syndrome, a rare and serious condition
Aspirin Toxicity
- Aspirin poisoning can lead to respiratory alkalosis initially, as the drug stimulates the respiratory center
- This depletes carbon dioxide in the body, causing a shift towards metabolic acidosis which is a severe, life-threatening condition
- Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, tinnitus, and altered vision
Paracetamol (Acetaminophen) Toxicity
- Paracetamol is a commonly used pain and fever medication, generally considered safe
- However, overdose can cause liver damage, as a toxic metabolite (NAPQI) is produced that depletes glutathione in the liver
- Prompt treatment with the antidote N-acetylcysteine is crucial to prevent irreversible liver injury
Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
- Reduce inflammation, pain, and fever without containing steroids
- Work by inhibiting prostaglandin production, which is involved in inflammation
- Key examples include aspirin, ibuprofen, diclofenac, and celecoxib
Mechanism of Action
- Target two enzymes: COX-1 and COX-2
- COX-1 is responsible for normal physiological functions like protecting the stomach lining
- COX-2 is induced during inflammation and causes pain, fever, and swelling
- Can be non-selective (inhibit both COX-1 and COX-2) or selective COX-2 inhibitors
Benefits and Risks
- Provide analgesic, antipyretic, and anti-inflammatory effects
- Inhibiting COX-1 can lead to stomach ulcers and bleeding
- Selective COX-2 inhibitors aim to minimize this risk by targeting only the inflammatory pathway
Specific NSAIDs
- Aspirin: Has cardiovascular protective effects, but can cause stomach bleeding and ulcers
- Ibuprofen: Common over-the-counter NSAID used for pain, fever, and inflammation in children
- Diclofenac: Potent NSAID frequently prescribed for musculoskeletal pain and inflammation
- Celecoxib: A selective COX-2 inhibitor with reduced risk of gastrointestinal side effects
Considerations
- Use cautiously, especially in elderly patients or those with pre-existing conditions
- Monitor electrolyte balance and renal function with long-term NSAID use
- Potential side effects include hypertension, edema, and increased cardiovascular risk
Acetylsalicylic Acid (Aspirin)
- Irreversible cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitor, permanently blocking the enzyme responsible for prostaglandin production
- Has anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, and anti-platelet properties
- Used to prevent heart attacks and strokes in high-risk patients due to its anti-platelet effects
Aspirin Adverse Effects
- Can cause gastrointestinal ulcers and bleeding due to reduction in protective prostaglandins
- High-dose or long-term use can lead to hyperuricemia
- Should be avoided in children with viral infections due to risk of Reye's syndrome
Aspirin Toxicity
- Can lead to respiratory alkalosis initially, followed by metabolic acidosis, a severe and life-threatening condition
- Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, tinnitus, and altered vision
Paracetamol (Acetaminophen) Toxicity
- Overdose can cause liver damage, as a toxic metabolite (NAPQI) depletes glutathione in the liver
- Prompt treatment with the antidote N-acetylcysteine is crucial to prevent irreversible liver injury
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Understand the mechanism of action of Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), including their effects on inflammation, pain, and fever. Learn about the key enzymes targeted by NSAIDs and their classification.
