Classification of NSAIDs

💊🩺 “Pain relief with a purpose!”
NSAIDs reduce pain, fever, and inflammation by inhibiting COX enzymes that produce prostaglandins.

1. Based on Chemical Structure 🧪

🟠 Salicylates

• Aspirin (Acetylsalicylic acid)

• Diflunisal

🔵 Propionic Acid Derivatives

• Ibuprofen

• Naproxen

• Ketoprofen

• Fenoprofen

🟡 Acetic Acid Derivatives

• Diclofenac

• Indomethacin

• Etodolac

• Sulindac

🟣 Enolic Acid Derivatives (Oxicams)

• Piroxicam

• Meloxicam

• Tenoxicam

🟢 Fenamates (Anthranilic acid)

• Mefenamic acid

• Meclofenamic acid

🔴 Pyrazolones

• Phenylbutazone

• Metamizole

2. Based on Selectivity for Cyclooxygenase (COX) 🧬

🔹 Non-Selective COX Inhibitors (COX-1 & COX-2)

• Aspirin

• Ibuprofen

• Diclofenac

• Indomethacin

• Piroxicam

🔸 Preferential COX-2 Inhibitors

• Meloxicam

• Etodolac

• Nabumetone

🟩 Selective COX-2 Inhibitors (Coxibs)

• Celecoxib

• Etoricoxib

• Parecoxib

• Rofecoxib (withdrawn)

3. Based on Duration of Action ⏱️

⚡ Short-acting (<6 hours)

• Ibuprofen

• Diclofenac

• Aspirin

🔁 Long-acting (>6–12 hours)

• Naproxen

• Piroxicam

• Meloxicam

💡 Common Uses of NSAIDs

• 🔥 Anti-inflammatory (arthritis, tendinitis)

• 💊 Analgesic (pain relief)

• 🤒 Antipyretic (fever reducer)

• 💔 Cardioprotective (low-dose aspirin)

⚠️ Caution & Side Effects

• Gastric ulcers

• Renal toxicity

• Bleeding risk

• Avoid in pregnancy (especially 3rd trimester)