Cyclooxygenase inhibitor

In pharmacology, cyclooxygenase inhibitors are "compounds or agents that combine with cyclooxygenase (prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthases) and thereby prevent its substrate-enzyme combination with arachidonic acid and the formation of eicosanoids, prostaglandins, and thromboxanes." THey are prescribed to relieve pain, inflammation, and smooth muscle contractions (e.g., menstrual cramps).

They do not affect blood coagulation as does aspirin and offer antiinflammatory activity that acetaminophen does not.

Classification

Non-selective inhibitors of cyclooxygenase

Non-selective inhibitors of cyclooxygenase are called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents.

Cyclooxygenase 2 inhibitors

Cyclooxygenase 2 inhibitor are selective for cyclooxygenase-2. Most selective cyclooxygenase 2 inhibitors have been withdrawn from the market because they increase the risk of adverse cardiac events. Their attraction is that they cause much less gastric irritation that nonselective inhibitors, because cyclooxygenase 1 suppresses the production of protective gastric mucus.

Other drugs affecting arachidonic acid

Leukotriene inhibitors suppress another path starting with arachidonic acid. They are primarily used fr he treatment of asthma, as leukotrienes are part of late-phase inflammatory reactions, even though cyclooxygenase inhibitors can aggravate asthna. In addition, they can also relieve pain.