Anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID's)

During class the following two weeks we are going to talk about anti-inflammatories. Many of all, if not all of us, have used over the counter drugs to reduce unpleasant symptoms such as pain. NSAIDS work by blocking the enzymes COX-1 and COX-2, these enzymes are responsible of the production of prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are produced in the cell and promote inflammation, pain and fever. These chemicals also play a role in blood clotting and help support the lining of the stomach. However, only the enzyme COX-1 produces prostaglandins to support platelets and protect the stomach lining. Since most NSAIDS block the COX enzymes, the excessive use or chronic use of these NSAIDS can lead to stomach ulcers and bleeding. The effect of NSAIDS is determined by the amount of time it takes to be eliminated from the body and how strong it inhibits the COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes. Thus, the more a drug blocks COX-1, the greater the chance of developing stomach ulcers. Not all NSAIDS will block the COX enzymes, for example "Celebrex" will block COX-2 and will have little effect on COX-1 blockage, then reducing the chance of developing stomach ulcers or bleeding; these types of drugs are called selective COX-2 inhibitors.