Paper I
2013 September (Supplementary) (2010 Scheme) · 40 marks · 120 min

Question

Classify non-steroidal anti inflammatory drugs. List the uses of NSAIDs. Mention four differences between aspirin and celicoxib. (2+2+2=6)

Q16 marksEssays

Answer

Classification of NSAIDs

  • Non-selective COX inhibitors: Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Diclofenac, Indomethacin, Naproxen, Piroxicam
  • Preferential COX-2 inhibitors: Nimesulide, Meloxicam
  • Selective COX-2 inhibitors (coxibs): Celecoxib, Etoricoxib
  • Para-aminophenol derivative (analgesic-antipyretic, weak anti-inflammatory): Paracetamol

Uses of NSAIDs

  • Analgesic — mild to moderate pain (headache, dysmenorrhoea, musculoskeletal pain)
  • Antipyretic — fever
  • Anti-inflammatory — rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis
  • Antiplatelet (aspirin, low dose) — prevention of myocardial infarction/stroke
  • Closure of patent ductus arteriosus (indomethacin)

Differences between Aspirin and Celecoxib

FeatureAspirinCelecoxib
COX selectivityNon-selective (COX-1 and COX-2)Selective COX-2 inhibitor
GI toxicityHigh (ulcers, bleeding)Lower GI toxicity
Antiplatelet effectPresent (irreversible COX-1 inhibition in platelets) — used for cardioprotectionAbsent — no antiplatelet effect
Cardiovascular riskCardioprotective at low doseIncreased risk of thrombotic cardiovascular events

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