Which of the following drugs is NOT an NSAID?

• A. Ibuprofen
• B. Acetaminophen
• C. Naproxen
• D. Diclofenac

Answer: (B)

The main idea is that NSAIDs work by blocking COX enzymes to cut down prostaglandin production, which reduces inflammation, pain, and fever. Acetaminophen does not act as an NSAID because it has little to no anti-inflammatory effect in peripheral tissues; its pain and fever relief come mainly from actions in the brain, not from reducing inflammation elsewhere in the body. This makes acetaminophen different from ibuprofen, naproxen, and diclofenac, which all inhibit COX and provide true anti-inflammatory effects. Practically, acetaminophen is great for headache or fever and general pain, but it isn’t suitable when inflammation is the primary concern. It also carries a liver toxicity risk with overdose, unlike the typical GI and renal concerns associated with NSAIDs.