Mechanism of action

MECHANISM OF ACTION

  • Anti Inflammatory action is produced by inhibition of prostaglandin  synthesis at the site of injury
  • Many other mediators may also play a role in inflammation Eg: Leukotrienes, Platelet  Activating Factor (PAF) etc.
  • But the NSAIDs inhibit only Prostaglandins
  • Analgesic action is brought about  by affecting the transduction of pain in nerve endings. Prostaglandins (algesic agents) sensitize nerve endings to long lasting dull pain 
  • Antipyretic action by counteracting  infection generation of pyrogens, interleukins, Tumor necrosis factor (TNFα)
  • Prostaglandins  production in hypothalamus plays an important in thermoregulation
  • Thus, NSAIDs block the action of pyrogens , reset the thermostat, promote sweating and cutaneous vasodilatation heat loss
  • NSAIDs do not cause hypothermia in normal patients
Last modified: Monday, 17 October 2011, 9:26 AM