NSAIDs
NSAIDs
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, /ɛnˈseɪdz/), are a class of drugs that provide analgesic (pain-killing) and antipyretic (fever-reducing) effects, and, in higher doses, anti-inflammatory effects.
Etymology
The term "nonsteroidal" distinguishes these drugs from steroids, which, among a broad range of other effects, have a similar eicosanoid-depressing, anti-inflammatory action. "Nonsteroidal" refers to the absence of the steroid structure in these compounds. The term "anti-inflammatory" denotes the property of these drugs to counteract or suppress inflammation.
Classification
NSAIDs are usually classified based on their chemical structure. Classes include salicylates, propionic acid derivatives, acetic acid derivatives, enolic acid (Oxicams), selective COX-2 inhibitors (Coxibs), sulfonanilides and others (e.g., meloxicam, diclofenac).
Mechanism of Action
NSAIDs work by inhibiting the activity of cyclooxygenase enzymes (COX-1 and COX-2). In cells, these enzymes are involved in the synthesis of key biological mediators, namely prostaglandins which are involved in inflammation, and thromboxanes, which are involved in blood clotting.
Related Terms
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on NSAIDs
- Wikipedia's article - NSAIDs
This WikiMD dictionary article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.
Languages: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
Urdu,
বাংলা,
తెలుగు,
தமிழ்,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
русский,
português do Brasil,
Italian,
polski