Medical information for patients

Non Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs

Non Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) are medications which, as well as having pain-relieving (analgesic) effects, have the effect of reducing inflammation when used over a period of time.

Uses

NSAIDs can be used as simple pain killers (analgesics), but paracetamol is usually preferable, as it is likely to have less unwanted effects, and costs less. They are most useful in conditions which cause inflammation. The anti-inflammatory effects may take from a few days to three weeks to come on, so it is worth persevering for a while before deciding that a NSAID is not going to help.

NSAIDs are used as follows:

Properties

The NSAIDs work by affecting some chemicals in the body which cause inflammation, the prostaglandins. Unfortunately the same group of chemicals are involved in the stomach, and so the NSAIDs tend to cause indigestion, and may even cause duodenal or stomach ulceration.

As a result of this side-effect they cannot be used in someone with a history of peptic ulcer, except in exceptional circumstances, under close medical supervision. Also they would rarely be used and, if used, only with extra care, in somebody with heartburn or indigestion.

In general, the more effective a NSAID is at reducing inflammation, the more likely it is to cause indigestion. Sometimes your doctor will prescribe them along with something to cut down the risk of ulceration. There is even one medication that contains both components together.

There have been recent advances, in that some NSAIDs are said to be more specific in dealing with inflammation and less likely to irritate the digestive (gastrointestinal) system, but nothing has yet overcome this problem altogether.

The drugs vary in strength and side effects. Usually, as with other medications, the more effective they are, the more side-effects they are likely to have. Aspirin, which originated from willow bark, has been around for a long time and is in many people's medicine chests. This is an anti-inflammatory analgesic. Most NSAIDs also reduce the temperature in someone with a fever.

Of the newer medications in this group, the one in widest general use is ibuprofen, which is available over the counter in many countries. There are a large number of other NSAIDs, most of which have to be obtained on prescription.

Adverse reactions

There are many other potential side effects, but these vary according to the drug chosen and the individual taking it. The other side effects are far less likely to occur.

Specific allergy to a NSAID can be quite dramatic, with rash, swelling of the face, and sometimes difficulty breathing. (If this happens you should call for help urgently.) As with other drugs, if you get a reaction which you suspect to be a side effect, stop taking it and check with your doctor. Sometimes, if the reaction involves an itchy rash and or swelling, it is worth trying an antihistamine in the meantime.

Some people with asthma react to the NSAIDs by getting more wheezy. If this happens you should stop the drug, and use your usual asthma medication, calling the doctor if this does not work.

Warnings

NSAIDs cannot be used (are contraindicated) in the following cases:

Care is needed if you have:

Forms

These drugs are available in nearly every form:

Although non-oral routes of administration avoid the direct irritation of the stomach, they do not avoid the indigestion and ulcer risks, as these are caused by the chemical once it is in the blood stream.


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