NSAIDs, Paracetamol & Analgesics – Pharmacy Training Video Review

42 question-and-answer flashcards summarising key drug names, doses, mechanisms, classifications, clinical pearls and cautions discussed in the analgesics/NSAIDs lecture.

Which enzyme is selectively inhibited by drugs such as etoricoxib and celecoxib?

Cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX-2).

What is the active ingredient of the brand Arcoxia?

Etoricoxib.

List the common tablet strengths available for etoricoxib.

60 mg, 90 mg and 120 mg.

Which selective COX-2 inhibitor is marketed under the trade name Celebrex?

Celecoxib.

What is the usual adult dose range for celecoxib capsules?

100 mg to 200 mg taken twice daily.

Why is nimesulide considered different from traditional NSAIDs?

It selectively inhibits COX-2 with minimal effect on COX-1 at therapeutic doses.

Why can nimesulide be prescribed to a patient with a gastric ulcer?

Because its selective COX-2 action causes less irritation to the gastric mucosa.

Give two major contraindications for the use of nimesulide.

Hypertension/cardiac disease and pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Dexketoprofen belongs to which COX selectivity class?

Preferential COX-2 and partial COX-1 inhibitor.

Name two brand names that contain meloxicam as the active ingredient.

Mobic and Moven (other correct answers: Coxicam, Loxicam, Selektin, etc.).

What two tablet strengths are most common for meloxicam?

7.5 mg and 15 mg.

Which topical NSAID gel contains ketoprofen and what is its concentration?

Fastum gel; ketoprofen 2.5 %.

Roxonin is the trade name of which NSAID and in what strength is it supplied?

Loxoprofen 60 mg tablets.

What is a common oral strength of flurbiprofen tablets sold as Maximus?

100 mg.

What special therapeutic niche makes mefenamic acid preferred for dysmenorrhea?

It not only inhibits prostaglandin synthesis (like other NSAIDs) but also antagonises prostaglandin receptors.

Explain the ‘double action’ of mefenamic acid.

It both blocks COX (preventing new prostaglandins) and antagonises existing prostaglandin receptors, relieving uterine pain.

State two usual adult tablet strengths for naproxen in Jordanian brands.

250 mg and 500 mg (DS/strong strength 550 mg also exists).

What pharmacokinetic difference distinguishes diclofenac potassium from diclofenac sodium?

Diclofenac potassium is absorbed faster, providing quicker onset of action.

Give one rapid-acting brand that contains diclofenac potassium 50 mg.

Rapidus (other correct answers: Cataflam, Joflam, Voltafast, Diclofast, etc.).

List four dosage forms available for Voltaren (diclofenac sodium).

Tablets, suppositories, topical gel, ampoules (IM), and eye drops.

What is the maximum over-the-counter adult dose of ibuprofen per day?

1,200 mg.

State the paediatric ibuprofen dosing range per dose.

5–10 mg/kg orally every 6–8 hours (max 40 mg/kg/day).

Provide the fixed-constant formula used in the notes to calculate a single paediatric ibuprofen dose.

Child’s weight (kg) × 0.375 = volume in millilitres (when using 100 mg/5 ml suspension).

Why should NSAIDs be avoided in the third trimester of pregnancy?

They can cause premature closure of the fetal ductus arteriosus, risking fetal death.

Into which three broad categories are NSAIDs classified based on COX selectivity?

Non-selective COX-1/COX-2 inhibitors, preferential COX-2 inhibitors, and selective COX-2 inhibitors.

Give three examples of non-selective COX inhibitors mentioned in the lecture.

Ibuprofen, diclofenac, naproxen (other correct answers: mefenamic acid, piroxicam, etc.).

Name two preferential (more COX-2 than COX-1) inhibitors from the notes.

Meloxicam and nimesulide.

Describe the primary mechanism by which paracetamol produces analgesia and antipyresis.

Central inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis and elevation of pain threshold (exact mechanism not fully understood).

What is the recommended maximum daily adult dose of paracetamol?

4 g (4,000 mg) in divided doses.

How does Panadol Actifast achieve a faster onset than Panadol Advance?

It contains 123 mg sodium, which accelerates paracetamol absorption.

Why is caffeine included in Panadol Extra tablets?

Caffeine (65 mg) enhances the analgesic effect of paracetamol but may cause palpitations in high doses.

What formulation feature gives Panadol Joint a 12-hour effect?

Each 665 mg tablet has a dual layer: a fast-release outer layer and a slow-release inner core.

Which Panadol product contains diphenhydramine and what is its main use?

Panadol Night (paracetamol + diphenhydramine) is used for pain associated with insomnia; taken two tablets 20 minutes before sleep.

Panadol All-in-One does not cause drowsiness; what three active ingredients does it contain?

Paracetamol, phenylephrine, and guaifenesin.

Why are Panadol formulations with pseudoephedrine contraindicated in hypertensive patients?

Pseudoephedrine is a sympathomimetic that can raise blood pressure.

What constant is used for calculating a single paediatric dose when paracetamol syrup is 250 mg/5 ml?

0.25 ml per kilogram (Dose = weight × 0.25).

Name an intravenous paracetamol product and its concentration.

Perfalgan 1 g/100 ml (also Omol 1 g/100 ml).

Differentiate an analgesic from an anesthetic in one sentence.

Analgesics reduce pain perception without eliminating sensation entirely, whereas anesthetics can temporarily abolish sensation (and sometimes consciousness).