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Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
Valentine S Moses1, Alicia L Bertone
1Merritt & Associates Equine Hospital, 26996 North Darrell Road, Wauconda, IL 60084, USA. vmoses@midwesteva.com
The Veterinary Clinics of North America. Equine Practice
|June 18, 2002
Summary
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) reduce inflammation by inhibiting cyclooxygenase (COX). Newer NSAIDs targeting COX-2 offer improved efficacy and reduced toxicity in veterinary medicine.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pharmacology
- Inflammation Biology
- Drug Discovery
Background:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are widely used in veterinary practice.
- NSAIDs function by inhibiting key components of the inflammatory cascade.
- This review focuses on NSAIDs that specifically target cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the pharmacologic mechanisms, indications, and toxicity of NSAIDs in veterinary medicine.
- To discuss the roles of cyclooxygenase isoforms (COX-1 and COX-2).
- To highlight newer NSAIDs with enhanced COX-2 specificity and improved safety profiles.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on NSAID pharmacology and clinical use in animals.
- Analysis of the biochemical pathways involving COX-1 and COX-2.
- Summary of NSAID effects on various tissues and physiological processes.
Main Results:
- NSAIDs provide effective pain relief and reduce inflammation.
- COX-1 and COX-2 isoforms exhibit distinct physiological roles.
- Selective COX-2 inhibitors demonstrate greater efficacy and reduced gastrointestinal and renal toxicity compared to non-selective NSAIDs.
Conclusions:
- Understanding NSAID mechanisms, including COX isoform selectivity, is crucial for optimizing veterinary treatment.
- Newer NSAIDs offer improved therapeutic options with better safety margins.
- NSAIDs have broad applications in managing pain and inflammation in animals, with potential antiendotoxic and antithrombotic benefits.