A patient with arthritis takes a COX-2 selective inhibitor. Why does this drug regimen reduce inflammation and pain?

💡 Explanation

COX-2 selective inhibitors block the cyclooxygenase-2 enzyme, preventing the conversion of arachidonic acid into prostaglandins that mediate inflammation and pain. Therefore, prostaglandin synthesis is inhibited, rather than leukotriene production, because COX-1 inhibition increases gastric mucus production.

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