Pain and Analgesics II

NSAIDS

non-addictive analgesics used to treat mild-moderate pain (OTC medications)

What do NSAIDS treat?

mild-moderate pain, fever, inflammation, and prevention of blood clotting

Inflammation

release of chemical irritants (prostaglandins) that causes redness, warmth, swelling

Prostaglandins

not only do they sensitize pain neurons, but they are involved in other body processes

What do prostaglandins support?

they support kidney function, protect stomach lining, promote platelet aggregation to stop bleeding, increase body temperature, and cause inflammation

What are the theraputic effects of NSAIDS?

they are anti-inflammatory, antipyretic (fever reducing), and blood thinning (good for heart problems)

What are the side effects of NSAIDS?

they cause kidney problems, stomach irritation, and excess bleeding

COX 1&2

enzymes that make prostaglandins. NSAIDS inhibit COX 1&2 enzymes, producting their theraputic effects

General COX inhibitors

COX 1&2. They are associated with the WHOLE spectrum of effects

Selective COX 2 inhibitors

COX 2. They only indue a subset of effects

Aspirin

a general COX inhibitor. Analgesic, antipyretic, and anti-inflammatory. effective blood-thinning action!! (heart attack and stroke prevention). Causes GI irritation

Ibuprofen

General COX inhibitor. Analgesic, antipyretic, and anti-inflammatory. Very short duration of blood thinning effects (NOT prescribed for heart attack and stroke). Causes GI irritation

COX 2 selective inhibitors theraputic effects

does not help with blood thinning, only helps with anti-inflammatory and fever reduction (antipyretic)

Celecoxib

COX 2 inhibitor. Analgesic, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory. NOT prescribed for heart attack and stroke. Does NOT caused GI irritation, nauseau, or vomiting

Topical Agents

they confuse or desensitize pain neurons so they do not send pain signals to the brain

Methyl Salicylate

a topical agent that treats minor pain and aches of muscle/joints

Corticosteroids

anti-inflammatory steroids

Hydrocortisone

a corticosteroid that treats psoriasis and eczema

Prednisone

a coricosteroid that treats autoimmune diseases

How do Corticosteroids produce their theraputic effects?

they inhibit the synthesis of inflammatory molecules. they inhibit the PLA2 enzyme

Corticosteroid side effects (similar to general COX inhibitors)

lower resistance to infection, water retention (swelling, weight gain), stomach irritation, easy bruising, high BP