AEMCA Practice Exam

What is a characteristic of non-selective COX inhibitors?

1. They selectively target inflammation only

2. They reduce pain and inflammation by inhibiting all COX enzymes

3. They enhance nerve transmission

4. They only act outside the central nervous system

The correct answer is: They reduce pain and inflammation by inhibiting all COX enzymes

Non-selective COX inhibitors are characterized by their ability to inhibit both COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes, which are involved in the synthesis of prostaglandins that mediate pain and inflammation. By blocking these enzymes, non-selective COX inhibitors effectively reduce pain and inflammation throughout the body. This broad action is essential in treating conditions such as arthritis and other inflammatory disorders, as it provides a more generalized relief from various symptoms related to inflammation. The other options do not accurately represent the characteristics of non-selective COX inhibitors. For instance, while some medications might target inflammation specifically, non-selective COX inhibitors act on both pathways and do not apply exclusively to inflammatory processes. Enhancing nerve transmission is not a function of COX inhibitors; rather, their role is to mitigate pain signals through inhibition of inflammatory mediators. Additionally, non-selective COX inhibitors can have effects both centrally and peripherally in the body, meaning they can impact pain transmission in the central nervous system as well as at the site of injury or inflammation.