NSAIDs

Aspirin

Irreversible COX-1 and COX-2 inhibitor

Inhibits platelet aggregation and vasodilation, leading to an anticoagulant effect

Treats unstable angina and prevents heart attack

Acetaminophen

NOT an NSAID

Prodrug metabolized by CYP450s in the liver, forming electrophilic metabolites that attack sulfhydryl groups on cystines

Same analgesic ceiling as aspirin

Safe alternative to aspirin as short-term analgesic for children, pregnant women, and asthmatics

Ibuprofen

Propionic Acid NSAID

Good for anti-inflammation / analgesic

Better for pain than aspirin

Naproxen

Propionic Acid NSAID

Good for anti-inflammation / analgesic

Longer acting than ibuprofen (longer half-life)

Ketoprofen

Propionic Acid NSAID

Good for anti-inflammation / analgesic

More effective for moderate-severe pain in some cases

Diflunisal

Stabilized aspirin analog

Higher analgesic ceiling, longer half life

Sulindac

Acetic Acid NSAID

Primarily used for anti-inflammatory purposes

Prodrug, useful for GI sparing

Slightly longer half-life than aspirin, but not as effective

Indomethacin

Acetic Acid NSAID

Primarily used for anti-inflammatory purposes

Weak analgesic

Can treat Patent Ductus Arteriosus

Ketorolac

Acetic Acid NSAID

Oral administration similar to analgesic efficacy of ibuprofen

Closer to morphine analgesic efficacy when given IV/IM

Indicated for short-term pain management

Celecoxib

Treats pain / inflammation

COX-2 selective inhibitor