A receptor-grounded approach to teaching nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug chemistry and structure-activity relationships

Objective. To describe a receptor-based approach to promote learning about nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) chemistry, structure-activity relationships, and therapeutic decision-making. Design. Three lessons on cyclooxygenase (COX) and NSAID chemistry, and NSAID therapeutic utility, were developed using text-based resources and primary medicinal chemistry and pharmacy practice literature. Learning tools were developed to assist students in content mastery. Assessment. Student learning was evaluated via performance on quizzes and examinations that measured understanding of COX and NSAID chemistry, and the application of that knowledge to therapeutic problem solving. Conclusion. Student performance on NSAID-focused quizzes and examinations documented the success of this approach.