Abstract

Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): Understanding Their Mechanism, Uses, and Risks

Author(s): Maria Robins

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) constitute a widely employed class of medications for managing pain, inflammation, and various medical conditions. This abstract provides a concise overview of NSAIDs, elucidating their mechanism of action, therapeutic applications, and potential risks. NSAIDs function by inhibiting cyclooxygenases (COX), enzymes responsible for prostaglandin production, with distinct selectivity for COX-1 and COX-2. They find extensive use in pain relief, inflammation reduction, fever reduction, and cardiovascular protection. Nevertheless, NSAIDs carry risks, including gastrointestinal issues, kidney dysfunction, cardiovascular events, bleeding, allergic reactions, and liver toxicity. Recent developments in this field encompass the exploration of COX-3 inhibitors and personalized medicine to enhance safety and efficacy. A judicious approach to NSAID use, considering individual patient factors, is imperative. Future advancements hold promise for more tailored and secure treatment options, ultimately improving patient outcomes and quality of life.