Diflunisal Pathway


Diflunisal is a non-selective prostaglandin G/H synthase (better known as cyclooxygenase or COX) inhibitor that acts on both prostaglandin G/H synthase 1 and 2 (COX-1 and -2). COX catalyzes the conversion of arachidonic acid to a number of prostaglandins involved in fever, pain, swelling, inflammation, and platelet aggregation. Diflunisal antagonizes COX by binding to the upper portion of the active site and preventing its substrate, arachidonic acid, from entering the active site. The analgesic, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory effects of diflunisal occur as a result of decreased prostaglandin synthesis. Diflunisal also inhibits the migration of leukocytes into sites of inflammation and prevents the production of thromboxane A2, an aggregating agent, by platelets.

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References

  1. Botting, R., & Botting, J. (2004). Cyclooxygenases. In S. Offermanns, & W. Rosenthal (Eds.). Encyclopedic reference of molecular pharmacology (pp. 279-283). Berlin, Germany: Springer.
  2. Breyer, R.M., & Breyer, M.D. (2004). Prostanoids. In S. Offermanns, & W. Rosenthal (Eds.). Encyclopedic reference of molecular pharmacology (pp. 752-757). Berlin, Germany: Springer.
  3. Diflunisal (CPhA monograph). (2009). [Electronic version]. e-CPS. Retrieved August 15, 2009.
  4. Geisslinger, G., & Lötsch, J. (2004). Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. In S. Offermanns, & W. Rosenthal (Eds.). Encyclopedic reference of molecular pharmacology (pp. 667-671). Berlin, Germany: Springer.