Aspirin, ibuprofen, and Naproxen are categorized as what type of drugs?

Aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen are classified as non-selective non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). This classification is based on their mechanism of action, which involves the inhibition of cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes. Both COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes play roles in the production of prostaglandins, which are compounds that mediate inflammation, pain, and fever.

Being non-selective means that these drugs inhibit both COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes, which leads to their anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic effects. The inhibition of COX-1, however, can also lead to gastrointestinal side effects, as COX-1 is involved in the protective lining of the stomach. This dual inhibition is what distinguishes them from selective NSAIDs, which target only the COX-2 enzyme to minimize gastrointestinal side effects while providing anti-inflammatory effects.

The other categories listed in the question, such as opioid analgesics and antidepressants, do not apply to aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen, as they have different mechanisms of action and therapeutic uses. Opioid analgesics primarily work by binding to opioid receptors in the central nervous system