Which action is commonly associated with NSAIDs?

Which action is commonly associated with NSAIDs?

• A. Increase blood clotting
• B. Dilate blood vessels and inhibit prostaglandin production
• C. Suppress liver function
• D. Promote gastric ulcers

Answer: (B)

NSAIDs act mainly by blocking the cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, which stops the production of prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are the signaling molecules that promote inflammation, pain, and fever, and they also help regulate blood flow in inflamed tissues. By inhibiting their synthesis, NSAIDs reduce inflammation, alleviate pain, and lower fever. The option that emphasizes inhibiting prostaglandin production captures this central action, making it the best match. The mention of dilating blood vessels is tied to the inflammatory process that prostaglandins help drive, but the key effect is the reduction of prostaglandin synthesis. It’s also useful to note that prostaglandin inhibition can increase the risk of gastric ulcers due to loss of protective prostaglandins in the stomach, which explains the GI side effects sometimes seen with NSAIDs.

NSAIDs act mainly by blocking the cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, which stops the production of prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are the signaling molecules that promote inflammation, pain, and fever, and they also help regulate blood flow in inflamed tissues. By inhibiting their synthesis, NSAIDs reduce inflammation, alleviate pain, and lower fever. The option that emphasizes inhibiting prostaglandin production captures this central action, making it the best match. The mention of dilating blood vessels is tied to the inflammatory process that prostaglandins help drive, but the key effect is the reduction of prostaglandin synthesis. It’s also useful to note that prostaglandin inhibition can increase the risk of gastric ulcers due to loss of protective prostaglandins in the stomach, which explains the GI side effects sometimes seen with NSAIDs.