NSAIDs are a commonly used class of medicines for pain, fever and inflammatory reactions. They are readily available without prescriptions at relatively little cost in Kenya. Consequently, they are ubiquitous in most households, often in quantities that can be taken in overdose. Agents in this group include ibuprofen, celecoxib, meloxicam, diclofenac, indomethacin and mefenamic acid.
NSAIDs cause the antipyretic, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory effects by reversibly inhibiting the enzyme cyclooxygenase (COX), an enzyme that catalyzes the formation of prostaglandins, prostacyclins, and thromboxane A2 from arachidonic acid. This is in contrast to salicylates (eg, aspirin, bismuth subsalicylate, and methyl salicylate), which . . .
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