Anti-inflammatory drugs

what is inflammation characteristics?

• brings blood to traumatized or infected areas

• increases WBC migration

• increases the activity of phagocytosis

5 cardinal signs of inflammation

• redness

• heat

• pain

• swelling

• loss of function

causes of anti-inflammatory drugs

• steroids 

• non-steroidal anti-inflammatories 

• miscellaneous 

MOA Corticosteriods

• block phospholipase in the Arachadonic Acid Pathway (AAP)

• stabilize cell membrane 

• provide indirect COX inhibition 

Uses of Corticosteroids

• inflammation

• shock

• immune- mediated diseases

• laminitis

the two types of corticosteroids 

1. Mineralocorticoids 

2. Glucocorticoids 

mineralcorticoids characteristics

• involved in water and electrolyte balance

• has minimum anti-inflammatory effect

glucocorticoids characteristics

• reduce inflammation

• stabilize cellular lysozomes

• reduce allergens and immune-mediated disease

uses of corticosteroids

• high doses for immune system suppression in autoimmune conditions

• chronic inflammatory processes (e.g. asthma, cancers)

3 types of glucocorticoids

short acting: cortisone, hydrocortisone

intermediate acting: prednisone, prednisolone

long acting: dexamethasone, betamethasone, flumethasone

contraindications for glucorticoids 

• viral or fungal diseases

• altered leukogram 

• diabetics 

what are the risk with viral/fungal diseases (Glucocorticoids)

drug reduces T cell mediated immunity

what are the risk with diabetics (Glucocorticoids)

drug reduces the insulin response and also stimulates hyperglycaemia

adverse effects of Glucocorticoids

• corneal ulceration

• muscle wasting

• delayed healing

• dull dry thinning haircoat

MOA for non-steroidal anti-inflammatories

inhibit the cyclooxyrgenase (cox) enzymes of the Arachidonic Acid Pathway (AAP)

what does cox 1 do in non-steriodical anti-inflammatories 

produce gastroprotective prostaglandins (PgE) and promote renal blood flow

what does cox 2 do in non-steroidal anti-inflammatories 

produce inflammatory prostaglandins 

effects of NSAIDs

• block good prostaglandins 

• potential for hepatoxicity 

• different in each species (sensitive in dogs/cats compared to horses) 

non-selective NSAID: acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) MOA

inhibits thromboxane, so decreases platelet aggression

non-selective NSAID: dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) MOA

destroys superoxide free-radicals associated with inflammation