Which statement best describes the central action of NSAIDs?

Which statement best describes the central action of NSAIDs?

• A. Work on the arachidonic acid pathway
• B. Nonselective inhibitors of COX 1 and COX 2 isoenzymes
• C. COX catalyses the formation of prostaglandins
• D. Prostaglandins act as messenger molecules in inflammation

Answer: (B)

NSAIDs exert their action by blocking cyclooxygenase enzymes in the arachidonic acid pathway. Most NSAIDs are nonselective inhibitors of both COX-1 and COX-2, reducing the synthesis of prostaglandins that drive inflammation, pain, and fever. While COX enzymes normally catalyse the formation of prostaglandins and prostaglandins act as inflammatory mediators, those points describe the pathway rather than how NSAIDs work. The best description of their central action is that they are nonselective inhibitors of COX-1 and COX-2.

NSAIDs exert their action by blocking cyclooxygenase enzymes in the arachidonic acid pathway. Most NSAIDs are nonselective inhibitors of both COX-1 and COX-2, reducing the synthesis of prostaglandins that drive inflammation, pain, and fever. While COX enzymes normally catalyse the formation of prostaglandins and prostaglandins act as inflammatory mediators, those points describe the pathway rather than how NSAIDs work. The best description of their central action is that they are nonselective inhibitors of COX-1 and COX-2.