Hello everyone, today we are going to discuss the mechanism of action of Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs, also known as NSAIDs. NSAIDs work by inhibiting the enzyme cyclooxygenase, or COX, which is responsible for the production of prostaglandins. There are two main isoforms of COX: COX-1 and COX-2. COX-1 is constitutively expressed in most tissues and is involved in the maintenance of normal physiological functions, such as protecting the stomach lining and promoting kidney function. On the other hand, COX-2 is inducible in response to inflammation and is responsible for producing prostaglandins that mediate pain, fever, and inflammation. NSAIDs are non-selective inhibitors of both COX-1 and COX-2, which is why they are effective in reducing pain, inflammation, and fever. However, this non-selectivity can also lead to side effects such as gastrointestinal ulcers and kidney damage. Overall, NSAIDs are valuable medications for managing pain and inflammation, but it is important to use them judiciously and under the guidance of a healthcare professional to minimize the risk of adverse effects. Thank you for watching this brief lesson on the mechanism of action of NSAIDs.