Pharmacological basis for the therapy of pain and inflammation with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) belong to the most frequently used drugs. The discovery of an inducible isoform of cyclo-oxygenase (COX-2) has led to an intensive worldwide search and the introduction of selective COX-2 inhibitors. In this review, recent advances in understanding the mechanism of action of NSAIDs and, in this context, clinical findings on NSAID-induced gastrointestinal side effects are summarized. This knowledge is important for the effective treatment of pain and inflammation, as well as for preventing serious and sometimes lethal gastrointestinal side effects.
Steinmeyer
J
J
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Justus-Liebig-University of Giessen, Germany. juergen.steinmeyer@ortho.med.uni-giessen.de
D000818:Animals; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000009:adverse effects*; D016861:Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology; D010146:Pain / Q000188:drug therapy*
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D016861:Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors