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Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDS)
How and when to use them
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, known as NSAIDs, are a group of drugs similar to Aspirin™ and aspirin-like drugs. They reduce fever and inflammation, and relieve pain. These drugs are used most often to relieve the inflammation, swelling, stiffness and joint pain of arthritis. They can also help provide relief from inflammation of other painful conditions such as:
- gout
- bursitis
- tendinitis
- sprains, strains and other injuries
- menstrual cramps
- headaches and migraines
These drugs act by altering the body’s production of chemicals called prostaglandins. Some prostaglandins in the body affect how inflammation and pain develop. Thus, by reducing the amount of these prostaglandins, NSAIDs can reduce the discomfort linked to inflammation.
There are several products under different trade names within the class of drugs called NSAIDs (See adjacent table). All of these products have both analgesic (pain-relieving) and anti-inflammatory (reducing inflammation) properties. Their effectiveness varies according to the condition, the person and the dose. Two people will often respond very differently to a single NSAID. For this reason a doctor may prescribe several NSAIDs, one after another, looking for the drug that gives most relief. Combining two or more NSAIDs rarely provides more relief and may increase the risk of side effects.
You should always let your doctor and pharmacist know if you are currently taking an NSAID.
Note Before Taking an NSAID
Before taking any medication, the risks of the medicine must be weighed against its benefit. This is a decision for you and your doctor to make. The following factors need to be considered.
Allergies - Let your doctor know if you have ever had an unusual reaction to any non-steroidal antiinflammatory or you are sensitive to aspirin.
Pregnancy - These drugs may cause unwanted effects on the fetus or newborn baby if taken regularly. If taken late in pregnancy, they may increase the length of pregnancy or prolong labour.
Breastfeeding - Some of these drugs can pass into the breast milk and cause unwanted effects in the nursing baby.
Children - Discuss the use for your child with the child’s doctor. Some NSAIDs may be safe while others can cause serious side effects.
Older Adults - Confusion, swelling of feet and lower legs, stomach problems or sudden decrease in the amount of urine may occur in elderly patients. Older adults can be more sensitive to the side effects of anti-inflammatory drugs.
Other Medical Conditions - Tell your doctor if you have any other medical conditions. The use of an NSAID may not be advised with certain medical states such as ulcers, liver or kidney disease, asthma or uncontrolled high blood pressure.
Other Medicines - To avoid possible drug interactions or drug duplication, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other prescription or non-prescription medicines.
Proper Use of NSAIDs
- To lessen stomach upset, these drugs should be taken with food or an antacid.
- Sustained release or enteric-coated tablets must be swallowed whole, not crushed or broken.
- Take tablets or capsules with a full glass (8 ounces) of water. Do not lie down for 15 to 30 minutes after taking an NSAID. This helps prevent irritation to the esophagus.
- Some NSAIDs are available in suppository form. To ensure it remains in place and the drug is absorbed, insert unwrapped suppository well into the rectum.
- For safe and effective use of these drugs, take them exactly as prescribed. Taking these drugs more often than recommended or doubling the dose may not improve their effectiveness. Instead, it will increase the chances of unwanted effects, especially in elderly patients.
- Be patient. NSAIDs usually begin to work within one week but may take two weeks or longer before the full benefit is felt.
- If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember it. If it is close to the time for the next dose, omit the missed one and return to the regular schedule. Do not double the next dose.
- Keep all drugs out of reach of children. Store them away from heat, direct light and humidity.
Side Effects of NSAIDs
Along with the benefits, anti-inflammatory drugs can cause unwanted side effects. This is most common when they are used for many weeks or in large doses. Some side effects can be just uncomfortable while others can be more serious and need medical attention.
Some common side effects of NSAIDs generally go away as your body adjusts to the medication. If any of the following continue or become bothersome, you should contact your doctor:
- abdominal pain or discomfort
- heartburn, indigestion, nausea or vomiting
- diarrhea
- dizziness, drowsiness or lightheadedness
More serious side effects are less common but should be discussed with your doctor immediately if they are noticed:
- bloody or black tarry stools
- severe headache
- increased sensitivity to sunlight
- skin rash or itching
- ringing or buzzing in the ears
- unexplained bruising or bleeding
- problems with urination
- blurred vision
- confusion
- increased blood pressure
- severe stomach cramps
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are useful in the treatment of several medical conditions. Given the variety of NSAIDs available today, you and your doctor should be able to find a medication to suit you.
FAMILY HEALTH is written with the assistance of |
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FAMILY HEALTH is written with the assistance of |
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