ExplanationDefinition
NSAR stands for the abbreviation of the drug group of non-steroidal antirheumatics (NSAIDs). Nonsteroidal means that they are not preparations containing cortisone. In addition to good pain-relieving properties, it also has anti-inflammatory and antipyretic properties.
Active ingredient namesTrade names
active ingredient names: Ibuprofen, Diclofenac, Indometacin, Piroxicam, Celecoxib Trade names: Ibuprofen®, Voltaren® (diclofenac), Indomet® (indometacin), Felden® (piroxicam), Celebrex®
Fields of application
Typical applications of NSAR are:
- Arthrosis (e.g. knee arthrosis, hip arthrosis)
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Swelling after sports injuries and surgery
- Back pain
- Slipped disc
- Calcification after prosthesis implantation (hip prosthesis and knee prosthesis) = protection against heterotopic ossification
- Menstrual Pain
Effect
Even though NSAR ́s have been in use for decades, their mode of action has still not been conclusively clarified. All NSAIDs ́s inhibit an endogenous enzyme, the so-called cyclooxygenase. This enzyme plays a decisive role in the formation of prostaglandins.
In addition to this key enzyme, however, other metabolic processes are inhibited, especially those involving free fatty acids (especially arachidonic acid). Postaglandins can be described as so-called “tissue hormones“, which regulate many functions in the body. In the central nervous system, prostaglandins regulate temperature fever as well as pain and temperature perception.
In addition, prostaglandins have an important influence on coagulation, especially the clumping of blood platelets. Their versatile effect also explains the larger number of potential side effects. Due to more selective modes of action of the NSAIDs ́s, it has been possible to reduce the rate of side effects in recent years. In particular, the new groups of active ingredients that predominantly inhibit cyclooyxgenase type II (Cox-2 inhibitors), such as Vioxx, Celebrex or Bextra, have been able to significantly reduce the side effects of gastrointestinal bleeding. Vioxx and Bextra have now been withdrawn from the market due to increased risk of heart attack – and stroke.
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