Pharmacology: NSAIDs

Question 1

What are the specific effects of COX-I vs COX-II inhibition?

Answer 1

1: Gastric ulcers, salt/water retention (hTn), inhibit thromboxane (antiplatelet)

2: Anti-inflammatory, salt/water retention, increased vascular events

Question 2

List as many NSAID contraindications as you can remember

Answer 2

• Ulcer disease Hx
• Other anticoagulants
• Renal impairment
• hTn (salt retention)
• Cardiac failure
• Elderly
• Liver cirrhosis

(Basically: GI effects and renal changes leading to increased salt retention)

Question 3

Outline 4 broad classes of NSAID adverse effects

Answer 3

1. GI (ulcers, discomfort, nausea)
2. Antiplatelet (increased bleeding)
3. Renal (salt/water retention, hTn)
4. Cardiovascular, in COX-II (vascular event risk increased)