Anti-inflammatory drugs

PREPARED BY: MOHAMMAD FARHAT

What are Anti-inflammatory drugs?

• They are substances that reduce or eliminate inflammation.

• Inflammation is the reaction of tissues to injuries. It affects the
connective tissues and constitutes a reaction of defense of the
organism against external aggressions (attacks) which may result from
blows, foreign bodies, chemicals, electricity, heat, cold and surgeries.
This is a kind of host defense against external aggression and not in
the case of an infection caused by bacteria.
Categories of Anti-inflammatory drugs
Note: Anti-inflammatory agents can be divided into two groups (categories):
 Steroidal (containing Steroid hormones)
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents.

• Examples: Aspirin, Advil and Voltarene are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory

agents (abbreviated as NSAI) used to treat arthritis (articulation
inflammation) while cortisone and hydrocortisone (Cortisol) are steroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs (abbreviated as SAI).
Some Important Notes About Cortisone and Aspirin
 The side effects of steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (cortisone and
hydrocortisone): fluid retention, unwanted hair, a moon-face appearance and
mental depression.

 Also Cortisone decreases the defense of the body against infections.

 An overdose of cortisone and hydrocortisone may lead to overweight and

obesity, hypertension (high blood pressure), amyotrophia (decrease in size
of the muscles), muscular paralysis and an increase in the rate of glucose in
blood (hyperglycemia).

 Aspirin is often used to treat arthritis and other inflammatory disorders,

while the overdosed person with aspirin is characterized by an increase in
the respiratory rate (quick breath and gasp)
Examples of some Anti-inflammatory drugs
Generic name Trade name Possible side effects

Acetylsalicylic Aspirin® Stomach distress and

acid or Aspirin nausea

Ibuprofen Advil® Nausea, vomiting,

diarrhea, digestive
Diclofenac Voltarene®. hemorrhage, asthma
attack and anemia
 Advil
• Advil is not a good choice for individuals with high blood pressure or heart
disease. Justify
• Because Advil may cause sodium and water retention