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What are antipyretics?
Medications that reduce fever by acting on the hypothalamus to lower body temperature.
What are analgesics?
Medications that relieve pain by inhibiting pain pathways or reducing inflammation.
What are NSAIDs?
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that inhibit cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, reducing prostaglandin synthesis.
What is the role of COX-1?
Regulates normal cellular processes such as gastric protection and platelet aggregation.
What is the role of COX-2?
Induced during inflammation and contributes to pain, fever, and swelling.
How do NSAIDs work?
By inhibiting COX-1 and/or COX-2, decreasing prostaglandin synthesis.
How do prostaglandins cause fever?
Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) raises the hypothalamic set point in response to pyrogens from infection.
How do NSAIDs reduce fever?
By inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis, restoring the hypothalamic set point to normal.
What are the common adverse effects of NSAIDs?
Gastrointestinal bleeding, kidney damage, and increased cardiovascular risks.
Why should aspirin be avoided in children with viral infections?
To prevent Reye's syndrome, a rare but serious condition.
What is the role of selective COX-2 inhibitors (coxibs)?
They specifically target COX-2 to reduce inflammation with fewer gastrointestinal side effects.
How does aspirin prevent blood clots?
By irreversibly inhibiting COX-1 in platelets, reducing thromboxane A2 production.
Why should aspirin be withheld before surgery?
To prevent excessive bleeding due to its effect on platelet aggregation.
What are the adverse effects of aspirin?
Gastric irritation, bleeding, and hypersensitivity reactions.
What are the uses of paracetamol?
Reduces fever and relieves mild to moderate pain, particularly in the CNS.
Why is paracetamol preferred for children with viral infections?
It reduces fever without the risk of Reye's syndrome associated with NSAIDs.
What is a major adverse effect of paracetamol overdose?
Hepatotoxicity, potentially leading to liver failure.
What is the antidote for paracetamol overdose?
N-acetylcysteine, which replenishes glutathione to detoxify harmful metabolites.
Why is it important to understand the ADME of antipyretics and analgesics?
To ensure safe dosing, avoid toxicity, and manage drug interactions effectively.
How do NSAIDs interact with other medications?
They can displace drugs like warfarin from plasma proteins, increasing their effects.
Why should NSAIDs be used cautiously in patients with asthma?
They can increase leukotriene production, exacerbating asthma symptoms.
Why are NSAIDs contraindicated in late pregnancy?
They may cause premature closure of the fetal ductus arteriosus and renal issues.
What is the preferred analgesic for cardiovascular patients?
Low-dose aspirin for its antiplatelet effects, avoiding other NSAIDs.
What is a key benefit of COX-2 inhibitors over traditional NSAIDs?
Reduced gastrointestinal side effects while maintaining anti-inflammatory action.
What are the risks of COX-2 inhibitors?
Increased risk of cardiovascular events such as heart attack and stroke.
How does ibuprofen compare to aspirin?
Ibuprofen is a reversible COX inhibitor with fewer gastrointestinal side effects than aspirin.
What are the signs of NSAID-induced nephrotoxicity?
Edema, reduced kidney function, and fluid retention.
What should be monitored in chronic NSAID users?
Renal function, gastrointestinal health, and cardiovascular status.
Why is paracetamol safer for long-term use than NSAIDs?
It has minimal gastrointestinal and cardiovascular side effects when used at therapeutic doses.
Why is patient education important in using antipyretics and analgesics?
To prevent misuse, manage adverse effects, and ensure effective symptom control.
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