Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs block which enzymes?

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs block which enzymes?

• A. Only COX-1
• B. Both COX-1 and COX-2
• C. Only COX-2
• D. Neither COX-1 nor COX-2

Answer: (B)

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs work by inhibiting cyclooxygenase enzymes, which are COX-1 and COX-2. These enzymes convert arachidonic acid into prostaglandins, the mediators that drive inflammation, pain, and fever. Most NSAIDs are non-selective, meaning they block both COX-1 and COX-2, giving broad anti-inflammatory effects but also side effects like stomach irritation and increased bleeding risk due to COX-1 inhibition. Some drugs are selective for COX-2, reducing inflammation with fewer GI issues, but many NSAIDs still inhibit both enzymes. So the best answer is that NSAIDs block both COX-1 and COX-2.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs work by inhibiting cyclooxygenase enzymes, which are COX-1 and COX-2. These enzymes convert arachidonic acid into prostaglandins, the mediators that drive inflammation, pain, and fever. Most NSAIDs are non-selective, meaning they block both COX-1 and COX-2, giving broad anti-inflammatory effects but also side effects like stomach irritation and increased bleeding risk due to COX-1 inhibition. Some drugs are selective for COX-2, reducing inflammation with fewer GI issues, but many NSAIDs still inhibit both enzymes. So the best answer is that NSAIDs block both COX-1 and COX-2.