title: The undesirable side-effects of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
abstract: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAD) are among the most commonly used medications. Many of them, such as ibuprofen, naproxen and aspirin, are widely advertised in the media and available without prescription. NSADs have anti-inflammatory effects, and some of them (aspirin, ibuprofen) are also antipyretic. The basic mechanism of their action is based on the inhibition of the enzyme cascade in the metabolism of arachidonid acid - cyclooxygenase 1 (COX-1) and cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) - and as a result inhibition of prostaglandin production. The undesirable side-effects of NSADs are primarily a direct result of the anti-inflammatory mechanism, and increase proportionally with the dosage. The article presents undesirable side-effects in the digestive system, the kidneys, and elsewhere. In conclusions the author point to the need for caution in using drugs of this kind.
authors.affiliation: Katedra i Zakład Farmakologii Doświadczalnej i Klinicznej Akademii Medycznej, Warszawa.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Hamera-Słynarska
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Słynarski