NSAIDs mechanism of action
The main mechanism of action is inhibition of cyclo oxygenase (COX) and thus reduced generation of thromboxane, prostacyclin, and the prostaglandins, particularly PGE2. Since these compounds have a huge variety of functions, reducing their production causes a huge number of effects. (Diagram)
Cyclo-oxygenase
Anti-inflammatory actions
Analgesic actions
Anti-pyretic actions
Anti-thrombotic actions
Anti-endotoxic actions
other possible mechanisms of action:
•free radical scavenging
•upsetting oxidative phosphorylation
•disrupting G protein signaling
•inhibition of neutrophil activation
•inhibition of neutrophil adhesion
•inhibition of leukocyte recruitment
•inhibition of proteoglycan synthesis
•inhibition of phospholipase A2
•prostaglandin receptor antagonism
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Massey University
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