Naproxen: Difference between revisions
David Canner (talk | contribs) No edit summary |
David Canner (talk | contribs) No edit summary |
||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
[[Naproxen]] '''Sodium''' is a '''nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug''' ('''NSAID''') that can be prescribed to relieve | [[Naproxen]] '''Sodium''' is a '''nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug''' ('''NSAID''') that can be prescribed to relieve [[inflammation]], stiffness, tenderness, or pain that can be caused by:<ref>http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0000526/</ref> | ||
*osteoarthritis | *osteoarthritis | ||
*rheumatoid arthritis | *[[rheumatoid arthritis]] | ||
*juvenile arthritis | *juvenile arthritis | ||
*ankylosing spondylitis | *ankylosing spondylitis | ||
| Line 39: | Line 39: | ||
==Target Protein: Cyclooxygenase== | ==Target Protein: Cyclooxygenase== | ||
[[Cyclooxygenase]] abbreviated as '''COX''' is an enzyme that is responsible for the production of prostanoids, such as prostaglandins, prostacyclin and thromboxane. These eicosanoids, or more simply signaling molecules, are responsible for inflammatory and anaphylactic reactions, vasoconstriction, and the resolution of inflammation respectively. Inhibition of this enzyme can therefore lead to temporary relief of pain and inflammation. | |||
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, NSAID, target and inhibit the COX enzyme to achieve these desired effects. Of the three variants, (COX-1, COX-2, COX-3), Naproxen targets COX-1 and COX-2. COX-1 is an essential enzyme in the biosynthesis of prostaglandins, responsible for the inflammatory and anaphylactic reations, and is found in the blood, kidneys, and stomach. But COX-1 is also involved in the synthesis of the natural mucus lining that protects the stomach, hence why an overdose, or frequent doses can cause stomach ulcers and bleeding. COX-2 is involved in prostagladin synthesis (all three types) but is only found at the site of inflammation, therefore is not responsible for the notable GI tract side effects that occur with the COX-1 inhibitors. As COX-2 enzymes are found strictly at the site of inflammation, they make an excellent drug target as side effects are limited. | Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, NSAID, target and inhibit the COX enzyme to achieve these desired effects. Of the three variants, (COX-1, COX-2, COX-3), Naproxen targets COX-1 and COX-2. COX-1 is an essential enzyme in the biosynthesis of prostaglandins, responsible for the inflammatory and anaphylactic reations, and is found in the blood, kidneys, and stomach. But COX-1 is also involved in the synthesis of the natural mucus lining that protects the stomach, hence why an overdose, or frequent doses can cause stomach ulcers and bleeding. COX-2 is involved in prostagladin synthesis (all three types) but is only found at the site of inflammation, therefore is not responsible for the notable GI tract side effects that occur with the COX-1 inhibitors. As COX-2 enzymes are found strictly at the site of inflammation, they make an excellent drug target as side effects are limited. | ||