Pharmacology: NSAIDs, COX Inhibitors, and Aspirin Flashcards

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), COX inhibitors, aspirin, dosing limits, side effects, and nursing implications based on the lecture material.

Cyclooxygenase (COX)

The key enzyme in the biosynthesis of prostaglandins, which the body produces at sites of tissue damage during inflammation or injury.

COX-1

Known as the good COX because of its protective functions, including reducing gastric acid secretion and promoting renal blood flow.

COX-2

Known as the bad COX because it is the enzyme that contributes to inflammation.

Black and Tarry Stool

The stool characteristic indicative of a gastrointestinal (GI) bleed occurring in the upper portion of the GI tract, such as the stomach.

Ibuprofen

A short-acting over-the-counter NSAID (trade names Advil and Motrin) with a maximum 24-hour daily dose of $3200\,mg/day$ ($800\,mg$ PO QID).

Naproxen

A long-acting over-the-counter NSAID (brand name Aleve; prescription form Naprosyn) that causes more stomach upset than ibuprofen due to extended COX-1 inhibition.

Indomethacin

A potent prescription NSAID (brand name Indocin) taken once or twice a day, recommended for severe pain and inflammation from gout attacks when ibuprofen or naproxen fail.

COX-2 Inhibitors

Second-generation NSAIDs classified as anti-rheumatics that selectively target COX-2 to avoid GI side effects, but carry severe risks of strokes and myocardial infarction (MI).

Celecoxib

Known by the brand name Celebrex, it is the only selective COX-2 inhibitor released in the early 2000s that is still available in The United States.

Ketorolac

A powerful nonopioid analgesic NSAID (formerly known by the retired brand name Toradol) used for moderately severe pain, restricted to a maximum treatment duration of 5 days.

Diclofenac

A topical over-the-counter NSAID (brand name Voltaren) used for rheumatoid arthritis that has minimal systemic absorption and common side effects of skin irritation at the application site.

Aspirin

An antipyretic, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory drug (trade name bear aspirin) that structurally changes COX-1 and COX-2 by binding to them.

Low-dose Aspirin

A daily aspirin dose between $81\,mg$ and $324\,mg$ that creates slick platelets to prevent strokes and myocardial infarctions.

Reye's syndrome

A rare but life-threatening metabolic disorder in children and teenagers recovering from viral infections (like flu or chickenpox) that causes swelling in the liver and brain, precipitated by aspirin.