NSAID And ASA Medication Classes
ANSWERS
The most frequently recommended treatments for treating illnesses like arthritis are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs (pronounced en-saids). Most people are familiar with NSAIDs, such as aspirin and ibuprofen, that can be purchased without a prescription.
NSAIDs are not only effective painkillers. They also aid in lowering fevers and inflammation. They stop blood from clotting, which is advantageous in some circumstances but not in others.
For instance, several NSAIDs, particularly aspirin, may have a preventive effect against heart disease because they inhibit clotting activity. You might, however, bruise more easily. NSAIDs can raise your chance of experiencing nausea, stomach distress, or an ulcer. They might also affect how well the kidneys work.
NSAIDs function by impeding an enzyme’s ability to carry out its function, a protein that causes changes in the body. The enzyme has two versions and is known as cyclooxygenase or COX. The stomach lining is shielded from corrosive acids and digestive byproducts by COX-1. Additionally, it supports kidney health. When joints become swollen or damaged, COX-2 is produced.
Traditional NSAIDs can cause stomach discomfort and bleeding and reduce pain and inflammation because they block the effects of both COX-1 and COX-2.
The class of drugs known as analgesics (painkillers), antipyretics (fever reducers), anti-inflammatories (inflammation reducers), and platelet aggregation inhibitors includes acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) (anticlotting agents). It prevents the body from producing substances that result in discomfort, heat, inflammation, and blood clots.
Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) is used to treat a variety of ailments, including lower back and neck pain, the flu, the common cold, burns, menstrual pain, headache, migraines, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, sprains and strains, nerve pain, toothache, muscle pain, bursitis (inflammation of a bursa, a fluid-filled sac found around joints and close to the bones), and As required, ASA is used in certain circumstances.
Because of ASA’s antiplatelet (anticlotting) qualities, you can use it for the following under your doctor’s guidance:
those who are at higher risk of having a heart attack, as diagnosed by their doctor, from having their first non-fatal heart attack (factors that increase your risk of a heart attack include: smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, inactive lifestyle, stress, and being overweight)
avoid having another heart attack or stroke
lower the chance that complications or death will occur in those with unstable angina
decrease the chance of a transient ischemic attack (TIA) or “mini-stroke” (TIA)
For patients receiving hemodialysis through silicone rubber access and those who have undergone carotid artery surgery to prevent the recurrence of TIA, platelet clotting properties should be decreased.
Those who underwent a total hip replacement should avoid blood clots.
Additionally, ASA can be used during a heart attack to lower the risk of passing away from the condition.
There may be various brands or formulations of this drug available. It’s possible that a particular brand name of this medication doesn’t come in all the dosage forms or have FDA approval for all the conditions mentioned here. Additionally, not all the conditions listed here may be treated with all formulations of this medication.
It’s possible that your doctor prescribed this medicine for a problem not covered in the articles on this medication. Speak to your doctor if you haven’t already or are unsure why you’re taking this drug. Without first consulting your doctor, do not discontinue using this drug.
QUESTION
NSAID And ASA Medication Classes
- Compare and contrast the pharmacokinetics of NSAID and ASA medication classes
- Describe patient profiles that each drug medication class is best suited for treatment of vascular conditions, arthritis pain, and gout