Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic Drugs – August 28, 2002

Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic Drugs – August 28, 2002

The first-generation indomethacin, the second-generation ibuprofen, the long-acting formulation fenbid, and the third-generation naproxen—all fall under the category of NSAIDs. The function of NSAIDs is to inhibit cyclooxygenase (COX), arachidonic acid enzymes, and prostaglandins. COX can be divided into COX1 and COX2, with the former acting on muscles and joints, and the latter on the gastrointestinal tract. The first and second generations of NSAIDs have a clear inhibitory effect on both COX1 and COX2. Consequently, prostaglandins in muscles and joints are suppressed, inflammation subsides, and pain is relieved. At the same time, prostaglandins in the gastrointestinal tract are also inhibited, leading to gastrointestinal disorders. The third-generation products primarily inhibit COX1 more than COX2, thus causing less irritation to the gastrointestinal tract compared to earlier versions.