If you are a medical student you have definitely heard about NSAIDS which stands for non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ….
These drug generally used to reduce inflammation,pain, redness and fever (have you heard about RUBOR) *refers to redness, specifically of the skin, and is often associated with inflammation , so the point is NSAIDs use to cure RUBOR..
NSAIDs works on COX-1 AND COX-2 enzymes by inhibiting them
Common examples:- ibuprofen, aspirin , diclofenac
Actually what I was concerned about is PCM (paracetamol) is not a NSAID but it have the property of them cause PCM is also used to reduce RUBOR but just because it works on brain means cns like steroidal drugs so it is not counted as NSAIDs
What are you views on NSAIDS, comment some points that I have forgotten to mentioned…
Paracetamol (PCM) is often confused with NSAIDs because it shares antipyretic and analgesic properties. However, its anti-inflammatory effect is minimal, which is why it’s not classified as an NSAID.
NSAIDs are effective medications in managing pain, inflammation and fever. When used for short time in lowest possible doses, they are usually safe and effective. Long term and self prescriptions can however be dangerous as they are associated with increased risk of bleeding and stomach ulcers, heart attack, stroke and kidney damage.
Yes! NSAIDs are super common and really important in clinical use. You explained it well! Just to add a few more points: NSAIDs mainly reduce pain, inflammation, and fever by blocking prostaglandin synthesis through COX enzyme inhibition. But long-term use can cause side effects like: Gastric ulcers (due to COX-1 inhibition affecting the stomach lining),Kidney damage, Increased bleeding risk (especially with aspirin) And yes, you’re right about PCM — it’s antipyretic and analgesic, but not anti-inflammatory enough, which is why it’s not classified as a full NSAID.
Also fun fact: Selective COX-2 inhibitors like celecoxib were developed to reduce stomach-related side effects!
NSAIDs are powerful and essential drugs,but like any tool in medicine, they must be used wisely.
Understanding their mechanism, selectivity, and side effects helps us prescribe them safely and recognize when another drug might be a better choice.
“Paracetamol” is not classified as an NSAID because, unlike many NSAIDs, it exhibits minimal anti-inflammatory action, specifically in the peripheral tissues. NSAIDs inhibit both COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes peripherally; whereas, paracetamol acts on a central COX variant (referred to as COX-3) in the brain. And this is the reason, paracetamol is quite effective in lowering the fever and body pain without resulting in strong peripheral anti-inflammatory effects. As per the explanations in many research studies, paracetamol becomes mostly inactive in high peroxide environments like inflamed tissues too.
Paracetamol is not an NSAID but it is a analgesic and antipyretic mainly used to elevate the body temperature to normal temperature It acts on cox 1 and cox 2 inhibitors . Severe usage of paracetamol causes Nephrotoxicity and haepatotoxicity
I think ,NSAIDs are essential for managing pain and inflammation by blocking COX enzymes, but their side effects like stomach irritation and kidney issues should not be overlooked. Also, it’s important to remember they don’t have the same fever-reducing effects as paracetamol, which works differently in the brain.
NSAIDs mainly reduce pain, inflammation, and fever by blocking prostaglandin synthesis through COX enzyme inhibition. But long-term use can cause side effects like: Gastric ulcers (due to COX-1 inhibition affecting the stomach lining),Kidney damage, Increased bleeding risk (especially with aspirin) And yes, you’re right about PCM — it’s antipyretic and analgesic, but not anti-inflammatory enough, which is why it’s not classified as a full NSAID.