What Are NSAID Medicines?

You may have heard of NSAIDs from your doctor or pharmacist. NSAIDs are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs commonly used to treat musculoskeletal disorders. It is mainly used to relieve the following symptoms:

Pain. Pain caused by stretching of muscles, sprains, headaches, migraines, and dysmenorrhea (cramping pain during menstruation).
Fever. NSAIDs can also reduce body temperature.
Inflammation. NSAIDs are often used to relieve inflammation in conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.

The most commonly used NSAIDs are aspirin and ibuprofen. This medication is usually found at your local pharmacy and can be purchased without a doctor’s prescription. For stronger NSAIDs, you will need a prescription from your doctor. It’s important to discuss with your doctor if a stronger NSAID is right for you.

How do NSAIDs work?

You may be wondering how this drug works. We will explain to you how NSAIDs can help relieve pain and fever.

Normally, your body produces chemicals called prostaglandins to heal damaged tissue, protect the lining of your stomach from acid and support platelet blood clotting. Prostaglandins are produced by an enzyme called cyclooxygenase (COX), which is of two types: COX I and COX II. The two COX enzymes are responsible for increasing inflammation and fever while only COX I produces prostaglandins that protect the lining of the stomach and support platelets.

NSAIDs work by blocking COX I and COX II. Because prostaglandins that protect the lining of the stomach and promote blood clotting are reduced, NSAIDs can potentially cause stomach ulcers and bleeding. It is recommended to take NSAIDs with food to avoid stomach irritation. COX II inhibitors are similar to NSAIDs. They work by blocking COX II to relieve pain and inflammation. These drugs include celecoxib and rofecoxib.

What should I know before using NSAIDs?

Before using NSAIDs you should know some of the risks associated with using NSAIDs. You may increase your risk of heart attack or stroke when you have heart disease and use this medicine for a long period of time.

NSAIDs should not be used right before or after heart surgery are called “coronary artery bypass graft (CABG). “

NSAID drugs can cause boils and bleeding in the stomach and intestines at any time during treatment. Ulcers and bleeding can occur without warning symptoms and in some cases can lead to death. Your risk of bleeding and having ulcers can increase if you:

Use it in conjunction with anticoagulants and corticosteroids
Smoke
Using NSAIDs for a long period of time
Drinking alcohol
Elderly
Or have poor health

NSAIDs are not recommended for the following people:

Those with a history of previous heart attack, stroke or heart failure.
People who are 75 years of age or older.
People with diabetes.
Smoker.
People with high blood pressure.
Asthma sufferers.
Are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Have a history of significant kidney disease.
Have a history of significant liver disease.
Have active stomach ulcers (pain in the lining of the stomach), or are at high risk of developing stomach ulcers.

If you have any of the above conditions you should tell your doctor before using NSAIDs for your treatment.

NSAID medications should only be instructed by your doctor, at the lowest possible dose for your treatment, and for the shortest time as needed. For mild to moderate pain you can use it as a basic necessity.

Aspirin is an NSAID drug but does not increase the risk of heart attack. Aspirin can cause bleeding in the brain, stomach, and intestines. Aspirin can also cause sores in the stomach and intestines.

Aspirin should not be given to children under 16 years of age unless recommended by a doctor. Also, some people with asthma may have attacks triggered by aspirin or NSAIDs. Please speak with your doctor before using this medication.

What are the side-effects of NSAIDs?

As with any medication, there are some unwanted side effects that can occur and you should be aware of them. Some of the serious side effects of NSAIDs include: