Acetaminophen, NSAIDs, & Aspirin - Pharmacology - Nervous System | @LevelUpRN

Summary

This video covers essential analgesic medications, including acetaminophen, NSAIDs, COX-2 inhibitors, and aspirin. The presenter explains their uses for pain, fever, and inflammation, as well as their mechanisms of action. Key side effects such as hepatotoxicity, GI issues, and risks like Reye’s syndrome and salicylism are highlighted. The importance of patient education and monitoring for potential adverse effects is emphasized, particularly regarding dosage limits for acetaminophen and contraindications for NSAIDs and aspirin. The video also provides helpful tips for remembering important side effects and safe practices in drug administration.

Takeaways

• 😀 Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is used for mild to moderate pain and fever, but it can cause hepatotoxicity in large doses.
• 😀 Maximum safe dose of acetaminophen is 4 grams per day; be cautious with over-the-counter cold medications containing acetaminophen.
• 😀 Acetaminophen overdose can be treated with acetylcysteine.
• 😀 NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen, ketorolac, indomethacin) treat pain, fever, and inflammation, but they carry risks such as GI upset and renal toxicity.
• 😀 NSAIDs should be avoided in patients with peptic ulcer disease or bleeding disorders due to increased risk of GI bleeding.
• 😀 Celecoxib (Celebrex), a COX-2 inhibitor, is used for osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis and has fewer GI side effects but can increase the risk of MI or stroke.
• 😀 Celecoxib is contraindicated in patients with allergies to aspirin, NSAIDs, or sulfonamides.
• 😀 Aspirin is used for pain, inflammation, fever, Kawasaki disease, and MI prevention but can cause tinnitus, GI bleeding, and rash.
• 😀 Aspirin should not be given to children with fever due to the risk of Reye's syndrome.
• 😀 The acronym 'ASPIRIN' can help remember side effects: Abdominal pain, Salicylism, Peptic ulcer disease, Intestinal blood loss, Reye's syndrome, Itchy rash, and Noise (tinnitus).

Q & A

What is the primary use of acetaminophen (Tylenol)?

Acetaminophen is primarily used to treat mild to moderate pain and fever.

How does acetaminophen work to alleviate pain and fever?

Acetaminophen works by inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis in the central nervous system (CNS).

What is a major side effect of acetaminophen, especially in large doses?

The major side effect of acetaminophen, particularly in large doses, is hepatotoxicity, which can be severe.

What is the recommended maximum daily dosage for acetaminophen?

The recommended maximum daily dosage for acetaminophen is 4 grams per day.

Why should patients be cautious when using acetaminophen alongside other over-the-counter medications?

Many over-the-counter cold medications contain acetaminophen, and using these along with acetaminophen for pain can cause the patient to exceed the 4 grams daily limit.

What is the antidote for an acetaminophen overdose?

The antidote for an acetaminophen overdose is acetylcysteine.

What conditions would make NSAIDs contraindicated for a patient?

NSAIDs are contraindicated for patients with peptic ulcer disease or any other bleeding disorders due to the risk of GI bleeding.

How do NSAIDs work to relieve pain and inflammation?

NSAIDs work by inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis, which reduces pain and inflammation.

What is the specific risk associated with the use of COX-2 inhibitors like celecoxib?

COX-2 inhibitors like celecoxib increase the risk for thrombosis, which can lead to myocardial infarction (MI) or stroke.

Why should aspirin not be given to children with fever?

Aspirin should not be given to children with fever due to the risk of Reye's syndrome, a potentially fatal condition.

What mnemonic can help remember the side effects of aspirin, and what do the letters stand for?

The mnemonic 'ASPIRIN' helps remember the side effects of aspirin: A for abdominal pain, S for salicylism, P for peptic ulcer disease, I for intestinal blood loss, R for Reye's syndrome, I for itchy rash, and N for noise (tinnitus).

What are common side effects of aspirin?

Common side effects of aspirin include tinnitus (ringing in the ears), GI upset, GI bleeding, and a rash.

What patient population should avoid using NSAIDs?

Patients with peptic ulcer disease, bleeding disorders, or those who consume alcohol regularly should avoid using NSAIDs due to the increased risk of GI bleeding.

What condition can indomethacin help treat in premature infants?

Indomethacin can help close a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in premature babies.

What is the role of aspirin in cardiovascular prevention?

Aspirin is used to prevent myocardial infarctions (MI) in patients who are at risk.