What does NSAIDs stand for?
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
NSAIDs combat inflammation but are not steroids.
What is the primary use of NSAIDs?
Most NSAIDs are available over the counter, while some require a prescription due to lower safety profiles.
What are common side effects of NSAIDs?
GI upset is a primary reason some NSAIDs are prescription only.
What is the role of prostaglandins in inflammation?
Prostaglandins are byproducts of the inflammatory response.
What initiates acute inflammation?
Tissue injury
Acute inflammation is a response to tissue damage.
What mediates chronic inflammation?
Chronic inflammation involves a sustained immune response.
What are the two main pathways involved in the inflammatory response?
These pathways are activated following cell damage.
What is arachidonic acid produced from?
Phospholipids in the cell membrane
Arachidonic acid is a key compound in the inflammatory process.
What do COX-1 and COX-2 refer to?
COX-1 is involved in maintaining normal physiological functions, while COX-2 is associated with inflammation.
What is the effect of COX-2 inhibitors?
Target inflammation without affecting COX-1
Ideally, COX-2 inhibitors should minimize side effects related to COX-1 inhibition.
What is the gold standard NSAID?
Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid)
Aspirin was first documented for use in 1763 and is known for its irreversible COX inhibition.
What is a significant risk associated with NSAIDs?
Cardiovascular events
Most NSAIDs carry a black box warning regarding cardiovascular risks.
Fill in the blank: Prostacyclin is a compound that prevents _______.
platelet aggregation
Prostacyclin is beneficial and released from vessel walls.
True or false: Aspirin is the only NSAID that irreversibly binds to COX.
TRUE
Other NSAIDs reversibly bind to COX enzymes.
What are the potential side effects of COX-1 selective NSAIDs?
COX-1 selective NSAIDs can lead to various adverse effects due to their action.
What is the primary mechanism of action for NSAIDs?
Inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis
NSAIDs primarily target the COX pathways to reduce inflammation and pain.
What is the effect of leukotrienes in inflammation?
Leukotrienes play a significant role in asthma-like responses.
What is the gold standard for analgesic effects, first documented in 1763?
Aspirin (ASA)
Aspirin was first documented from Willowbark extracts and has been used for its analgesic properties since 1948.
What are the analgesic effects of aspirin primarily due to?
Aspirin’s pyretic effects are linked to its action on the central nervous system and peripheral blood vessels vasodilation causing precipitation of heat.
Aspirin causes dilation of peripheral vessels to dissipate heat, which lowers what?
Body temperature
This effect is part of aspirin’s role as an antipyretic.
True or false: Aspirin causes constriction of blood vessels in the central nervous system.
TRUE
This constriction can lead to the throbbing pain associated with headaches.
What is the primary reason most people take aspirin?
Clot prevention
Aspirin is widely used for its cardiovascular benefits, including reducing the risk of ischemic heart attacks.
What is the typical low dose of aspirin recommended for clot prevention?
81 milligrams
Initially marketed as children’s aspirin, it is now referred to as low-dose aspirin.
Aspirin can decrease the incidence of what type of cancer?
Colon cancer
Regular low-dose aspirin use has been associated with a lower incidence of colon cancer.