Pharmacology of NSAIDs and Opioids

A comprehensive set of flashcards covering the key concepts of NSAIDs and opioids as presented in the pharmacology lecture.

NSAIDs

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that relieve pain.

Analgesic

A drug that relieves pain.

Antipyretic

Drugs that lower fever body temperature.

COX enzymes

Cyclooxygenase enzymes that are targeted by NSAIDs.

Prostaglandins (PGs)

Mediators responsible for pain and inflammation.

TXA2

Thromboxane A2, facilitates platelet aggregation.

PGI2

Prostacyclin, decreases platelet aggregation.

Salicylates

Class of NSAIDs including aspirin.

Ibuprofen

A common NSAID used to relieve pain and inflammation.

Aspirin (Acetylsalicylic acid)

A salicylate NSAID with analgesic, antipyretic, and anti-inflammatory properties.

Meloxicam

A selective COX-2 inhibitor used for pain relief.

Paracetamol (Acetaminophen)

An analgesic and antipyretic that selectively inhibits COX-3.

Chronic use of salicylates

Can cause tinnitus and other symptoms known as salicylism.

Reye's syndrome

A potentially fatal condition associated with aspirin use in children.

Ibuprofen dosage

Typically 200-400 mg every 4-6 hours as needed.

Adverse effects of NSAIDs

Include gastrointestinal irritation, ulcers, and bleeding.

Opioid analgesics

Natural or synthetic drugs that relieve all types of pain.

Endorphins

Natural body peptides that bind to opioid receptors.

Opioid receptors

Target receptors for opioid drugs, including mu, kappa, and delta.

Mu receptors

Opioid receptors associated with analgesia and euphoria.

Buprenorphine

A partial agonist used in opioid addiction treatment.

Naloxone

An opioid antagonist used to reverse opioid overdoses.

Loperamide

An opioid derivative used to treat diarrhea.

Hepatotoxicity

Liver toxicity, often a risk with paracetamol overdose.

Physical dependence

A physiological state that can occur with opioid use.

Withdrawal symptoms

Symptoms that occur when an opioid is abruptly discontinued.

Constipation

A common side effect of opioids due to decreased GI motility.

Acute respiratory disease

A contraindication for opioid use due to risk of respiratory depression.

Therapeutic uses of opioids

Includes severe pain management, cough suppression, and pre-anesthetic medication.

Vioxx (Rofecoxib)

A selectively COX-2 inhibitor withdrawn due to cardiovascular risks.

Glutathione system

A detoxification system in the liver affected by paracetamol overdose.

Mefenamic acid

A fenamic acid derivative NSAID.

Tenoxicam

An enolic acid derivative NSAID.

Nephrotoxicity

Kidney toxicity that can occur with certain analgesics.

N-acetylcysteine (NAC)

Treatment for paracetamol overdose.

Opioid mechanism of action

Opioids decrease calcium influx and release of excitatory neurotransmitters.

G6PD enzyme deficiency

A condition that can lead to hemolysis with certain drugs.

Rofecoxib

A former COX-2 inhibitor associated with increased heart attack risk.

Histamine release

May contribute to side effects like itching or rash with opioids.

Respiratory depression

A serious side effect of opioid use, reducing the ability to breathe.

Bronchospasm

A possible adverse effect associated with NSAIDs in susceptible individuals.

Dermatological reactions

Skin rashes can occur as an adverse effect of NSAIDs.

Post-synaptic neuron

Neuron that receives signals and responds to neurotransmitters.

Alfentanil

A strong opioid agonist with rapid onset and short duration.

Oxycodone

A semi-synthetic opioid used for moderate to severe pain.

Sufentanil

An opioid that is more potent than fentanyl.

Propacetamol

A prodrug form of paracetamol used for IV administration.

Phenacetin

An ex-analgesic medication that has been withdrawn due to safety concerns.

Cyclic analgesic

Class of drugs that includes both NSAIDs and opioids.

Ketorolac

A powerful NSAID often used for short-term pain relief.

Codeine

A mild opioid used primarily for cough and mild pain.

Analgesic nephropathy

Kidney damage resulting from long-term use of analgesic drugs.

Tramadol

A centrally acting analgesic that is structurally different from opioids.

Fentanyl patches

Transdermal delivery method for the strong opioid fentanyl.

Constipation management

Often requires a laxative when on long-term opioid therapy.

3 types of COX enzymes

COX-1, COX-2, COX-3, each with different roles in the body.

Cyclooxygenase inhibitors

Drugs that block COX enzymes to reduce pain and inflammation.

Opioid withdrawal syndrome

A set of symptoms occurring upon sudden cessation of opioids.

Chronic pain management

May require a multidisciplinary approach, including medication.

Drug dependence

A condition where the person cannot function normally without the drug.

Dextromethorphan

An opioid derivative with antitussive properties, but no analgesic effect.

Sodium salicylate

A non-acetylated salicylate used as an NSAID.

Piroxicam

An oxicam derivative NSAID with long half-life.

Acetaminophen dosing

Commonly 500-1000 mg for adults every 4-6 hours.

CNS effects of opioids

Include sedation, euphoria, and analgesia.

Adverse effect management

Typically includes monitoring for common side effects of drugs.

Catecholamines

Hormones released during stress, may influence opioid effectiveness.

Clinical use of NSAIDs

Often first-line treatment for mild to moderate pain.

Pregnancy category of opioids

Many are contraindicated due to potential fetal effects.

Kidney function monitoring

Recommended for patients on long-term NSAIDs to prevent damage.

Multi-modal analgesia

Combining different classes of pain medications for better relief.

Morphine formulations

Include oral, injectable, and extended-release options.

Patient evaluation prior to opioid therapy

Includes risk assessment for dependency and side effects.

Propacetamol equivalence

2g of propacetamol is equivalent to 1g of paracetamol.

Therapeutic effect of NSAIDs

Reduction of pain and inflammation through COX inhibition.

Pharmacokinetics of opioids

Includes absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion.

Methadone

Used for pain management and as part of addiction treatment.

Buprenorphine uses

Primarily for pain management and opioid dependency.

Types of opioid agonists

Include strong, moderate, and mixed agonist-antagonists.

Opioid antagonist properties

Block the effects of opioids at the receptor level.

Respiratory center depression

A serious risk with opioid overdose.

Withdrawal management drugs

Include clonidine and other supportive therapies.