nurs 117: inflammation

inflammation

natural, nonspecific defense mechanism

inflammation

occurs in response to injury, antigen, toxic chemicals, extreme heat, invading microorganisms, or death of cells

inflammation

limits spread of injury or antigen

inflammation

contains injury

acute inflammation

8-10 days to resolve and start repair

chronic inflammation

months or years

inflammation

usually self-limiting

inflammation

use ice packs and rest for mild symptoms

inflammation

topical agents for skin and mucous membranes

NSAIDs

primary drugs for treatment of mild to moderate inflammation

NSAIDs

all are analgesics and antipyretics

acetaminophen

has no anti-inflammatory action and is not an NSAID

NSAIDs

all have about same efficacy

salicylates

readily available, inexpensive, effective

salicylates

large doses needed to relieve severe inflammation

aspirin

protective effect on cardiovascular system

ibuprofen, ibuprofen-like

alternatives to aspirin

ibuprofen, ibuprofen-like

low incidence of adverse effects when used intermittently

COX-2 inhibitors

newest and most controversial class

COX-2 inhibitors

no inhibition of COX-1

corticosteroids

effective in treating severe inflammation

corticosteroids

naturally released from adrenal cortex

corticosteroids

can mask infections

corticosteroids 

used for short-term treatment of acute inflammation

antipyretics 

drugs that treat fever

antipyretics

treat underlying cause of fever

gout

secondary due to certain drugs, diseases that affect uric acid metabolism

gout

acute attacks: red, swollen tissue, often in big toes, ankles, fingers, wrists, knees, elbows

gout

attacks often occur at night

gout

termination of acute attacks; prevention of future attacks = goal of treatment 

gout

NSAIDs for pain and inflammation

gout

corticosteroids for more severe pain, inflammation

uricosurics

increase excretion of uric acid by blocking reabsorption in kidney

allopurinol, febuxostat

drugs that inhibit formation of uric acid

rasburicase, pegloticase

drugs that convert uric acid into a less toxic form

colchicine

drugs that interfere with inflammatory response of monosodium urate crystals