# NSAIDs --- An **NSAID**, or a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, is a type of [[medicine|drug]] helps reduce [[pain]], [[inflammation]] and [[fever]]. They are also known as **cyclooxygenase** (or **COX**) **inhibitors** or as they work by inhibiting COX enzymes. ## Mechanism of Action Aspirin non-selective cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitor, which means it blocks the formation of cyclooxygenase. Cyclooxygenase is an enzyme that does a lot of things, but one thing it does is produce [[prostaglandins]], which These COX enzymes produce [[prostaglandins]], which activate pain signals and cause inflammation. By stopping that production of prostaglandins, NSAIDs effectively stop pain signals from starting. ## Adverse Reactions Gastric ulceration Bleeding Renal impairment ## Examples [[aspirin]] ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) ___