Which statement about NSAIDs is accurate?

Which statement about NSAIDs is accurate?

• A. NSAIDs inhibit leukotriene synthesis
• B. NSAIDs inhibit cyclooxygenase enzymes COX-1 and COX-2, reducing prostaglandin synthesis
• C. NSAIDs activate cyclooxygenase enzymes
• D. NSAIDs block histamine receptors

Answer: (B)

NSAIDs work by blocking the cyclooxygenase enzymes that convert arachidonic acid into prostaglandins, which are key mediators of pain, fever, and inflammation. By inhibiting COX-1 and COX-2, these drugs reduce prostaglandin synthesis, producing anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic effects. COX-1 is normally present in many tissues and helps protect the gastric lining and support platelet function, while COX-2 is primarily induced in inflamed tissues. Non-selective NSAIDs inhibit both enzymes, which explains both their broad benefits and their potential GI and bleeding risks; selective COX-2 inhibitors aim to lessen GI side effects, though they have their own risks. Other statements don’t fit because leukotriene synthesis is via the lipoxygenase pathway, NSAIDs do not activate COX enzymes, and they do not block histamine receptors.

NSAIDs work by blocking the cyclooxygenase enzymes that convert arachidonic acid into prostaglandins, which are key mediators of pain, fever, and inflammation. By inhibiting COX-1 and COX-2, these drugs reduce prostaglandin synthesis, producing anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic effects. COX-1 is normally present in many tissues and helps protect the gastric lining and support platelet function, while COX-2 is primarily induced in inflamed tissues. Non-selective NSAIDs inhibit both enzymes, which explains both their broad benefits and their potential GI and bleeding risks; selective COX-2 inhibitors aim to lessen GI side effects, though they have their own risks. Other statements don’t fit because leukotriene synthesis is via the lipoxygenase pathway, NSAIDs do not activate COX enzymes, and they do not block histamine receptors.