Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) Practice Exam

Which class of medications is primarily used to reduce inflammation?

1. Parasiticides

2. Tranquilizers

3. Antibiotics

4. NSAIDs

The correct answer is: NSAIDs

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are specifically designed to reduce inflammation, pain, and fever. They work by inhibiting enzymes in the body known as cyclooxygenases (COX-1 and COX-2), which play a critical role in the production of prostaglandins, compounds that mediate inflammation and pain sensations. NSAIDs are commonly used in both human and veterinary medicine to manage inflammatory conditions, provide relief from pain, and improve overall comfort in patients. Their efficacy in controlling inflammation makes them a staple in treatment protocols for various ailments where inflammation is a key concern, such as arthritis, injury, or post-surgical recovery. In contrast, parasiticides are medications used to treat parasitic infections and do not have a role in inflammation reduction. Tranquilizers are primarily used for sedation and anxiety management rather than to combat inflammation. Antibiotics are aimed at treating bacterial infections and do not target inflammation as their primary function. Thus, NSAIDs are the correct choice for the question regarding medications that reduce inflammation.