Analgesic Agents



 

image



 

image



COX Inhibitors: General Concepts


Mechanism of Action: Inhibition of cyclooxygenase (COX), the key step in prostaglandin synthesis. COX-1 receptors are widely distributed throughout the body, including gut and in platelets. COX-2 is produced in response to inflammation.


Clinical uses: Agents that inhibit COX nonselectively (e.g., aspirin) inhibit fever, inflammation, pain, and thrombosis. COX-2 selective agents (e.g., acetaminophen [paracetamol], celecoxib, etoricoxib) can used perioperatively without concerns regarding platelet inhibition or gastrointestinal (GI) upset.


Side effects: Although COX-1 inhibition inhibits thrombosis, selective COX-2 inhibition increases the risk of heart attack, thrombosis, and stroke. Aspirin is unique in that it irreversibly inhibits COX-1 by acetylating a serine residue in the enzyme. The irreversible nature of its inhibition underlies the nearly 1-week duration of its clinical effects (e.g., return of platelet aggregation to normal) after drug discontinuation.


Only gold members can continue reading. Log In or Register to continue

Stay updated, free articles. Join our Telegram channel

Jan 28, 2017 | Posted by in ANESTHESIA | Comments Off on Analgesic Agents

Full access? Get Clinical Tree

Get Clinical Tree app for offline access