Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

NON-STEROIDAL ANTI-INFLAMMATORY DRUGS (NSAID)

Classification

■■  Pyrazolones—oxyphenbutazone, phenylbutazone.

■■  Propionic acids—benoxaprofen, carprofen, fenbufen,fenoprofen, flurbiprofen, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, naproxen, oxaprozin, pirprofen, suprofen, tiaprofenic acid.

■■  Fenamic acids—flufenamic acid, meclofenamic acid,mefenamic acid.

■■  Heterocyclic acetic acids—etodolac, indomethacin,ketorolac, sulindac, tolmetin, zomepirac.

■■  Aryl acetic acids—diclofenac, alclofenac.

■■  Oxicams—isoxicam, piroxicam, tenoxicam.

■■  Sulfonanilide—nimesulide.

Mode of Action

The mode of action of all NSAIDs is similar—inhibition of synthesis of prostaglandins, prostacyclins, and thromboxane, by binding to cyclo-oxygenase. Most NSAIDs can cause nephro-toxicity on long-term administration (analgesic nephropathy). Regular monitoring of serum creatinine in patients receiving such drug therapy is advisable.