Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are most commonly prescribed to relieve pain associated with orthopedic problems such as arthritis, tendonitis and bursitis. NSAIDs work by blocking the production of certain body chemicals that cause inflammation. NSAIDS block the effect of an enzyme called cyclooxygenase. This enzyme is critical in the body’s production of prostaglandins. Prostaglandins cause swelling and pain in orthopedic conditions. By interfering with cyclooxygenase, NSAIDs decrease the production of prostaglandins and decrease pain and swelling. NSAIDs are available in prescription or nonprescription forms.
Although NSAIDs are most often used to treat pain caused by inflammation, they are also sometimes used to tread headaches and bruises.
NSAIDs are safest when they are taken for brief periods of time. Longer periods bring higher risks of side effects. The most common side effects are stomach aches or heart burn. Other, rarer side effects include ulcers, bleeding, headaches, dizziness, ringing in the ears, allergic reactions, liver problems and kidney problems. In order to reduce side effects patients should take NSAIDs with food. Coated pills can also stop the mediation from directly irritating the stomach. Also, once-a-day forms of NSAIDs can be rougher on the stomach.
Patients taking NSAIDs should immediately call their doctor if they experience fluid retention, unusual weight gain, ringing in the ears or vomiting.
People who are pregnant, breastfeeding, who have a history of stomach ulcers or who are taking blood thinning medications should not take NSAIDs. People with asthma, liver problems, heart problems or kidney problems should only take NSAIDs under close supervision.
NSAIDs are prescribed in different doses, depending on the patient’s condition. NSAIDs are generally taken once up to four times a day, depending on the medication. Higher doses are generally prescribed for patients with arthritis and lower doses are prescribed for conditions such as osteoporosis or acute muscle injuries.
NSAIDs include diclofenac, diflunisal, etodolac, fenoprofen, ibuprofen, indomethacin, ketoprofen, meclofenomate, nabumetone, naproxen, oxaprozin, piroxicam, sulindac and tolmetin. Each NSAID has its own characteristics. Sometimes patients have to try several before they find the one that agrees with their system. As a result, a doctor may prescribe several for a patient to sample.
