Summary

The nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have been used to treat signs and symptoms of inflammation for a century. Its mechanism of action is basically the inhibition of prostaglandins synthesis, important mediators of inflammatory response. The NSAIDs in current use inhibit both constitutive (COX-1) and inducible (COX-

2) cyclooxigenase. Besides the anti-inflammatory action, the NSAIDs also decrease pain, suppress fever and decrease platelet adhesiveness. They differ in terms of half-life, dose, peak of action, potential adverse effects and cost. Its use is associated with several adverse effects, including renal hepatic and gastrointestinal damage, hematological, skin, gestational, coagulation and others.