Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
This class is very large, it contains aspirin, ibuprofen and many other molecules. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are used by systemic (oral, or injectable) or local port (cream, ointment, etc.). The main characteristics listed here relate to drugs used systemically.

Mode of action and effects
At almost, all molecules of this class have the same mode of action. These are inhibitors of cyclo-oxygenase (COX) that is they block its action.
COX is a protein, an enzyme which occurs at the top of a cascade of reactions leading to the formation of substances involved in:
Inflammation (redness, pain, etc.);
Fever;
The aggregation of blood platelets (only at low dose);
The protection of the mucosa of the stomach.
This COX is available in several forms:
COX - 1 is rather involved in the phenomena platelet and stomach;
COX - 2 is specific inflammation and fever.