Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs NSAIDs

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are medications that can be used for a variety of different things. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs are medications that help reduce pain, inflammation, and fever. Examples of these are aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen. There are almost two dozen different types of NSAIDs. They come in tablet, liquid, gel, cream, and suppository form. Some NSAIDs can be gotten over the counter, while others need a prescription. NSAIDs may be used for muscle aches, arthritis, tendonitis, back pain, bursitis, toothaches, or menstrual cramps.

NSAIDs that can be gotten over the counter are medications like Bayer, St. Joseph, Motrin, Advil, or Aleve. Prescription strength NSAIDs are Celebrex, Volatren, Nalfon, Indocin, or Toradol. Prescription strength can be beneficial because they are usually stronger and usually last longer. This can help reduce the amount of NSAIDs you have to take to help with your inflammation, or pain you are having.

Short term use of NSAIDs are generally safe. Short term would be taking it if you feel unwell. Long term use would be taking doses every day for longer than 2 weeks. Longer term use increases the risk of adverse reactions. Side effects of taking NSAIDs are stomach pain, diarrhea, constipation, nausea, vomiting, tinnitus, dyspepsia, bloating, dizziness, nervousness, edema, headache, or a skin rash. Long term use can negatively affect certain bodily systems as well. The most common systems that are affected by NSAIDs are the gastrointestinal tract, kidneys, cardiovascular system, your ability to clot, and the liver. You can be allergic to NSAIDs. They can cause a general allergic reaction called anaphylactic shock. Signs of this are swollen eyes, lips, tongue, difficulty swallowing, shortness of breath, rapid heart rate, chest pain or tightness. This can be a serious medical complication. You will need to seek treatment immediately so that it is not life threatening.

NSAIDs work by blocking certain enzymes in the body that produce the hormones called prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are responsible for inflammation, pain, and fever in the body. The enzyme that supports the reaction that causes prostaglandins is cyclooxygenase (COX). COX 1 helps the body with platelet adhesion. It helps maintain the gastrointestinal tract and aids in kidney functions. COX 2 plays a role in inflammatory responses that occur after injury or illness.

NSAIDs can be selective or non selective. Non-selective NSAIDs make up the most common NSAIDs. This is because they work at blocking both COX 1 and COX 2. The only selective NSAID that is used in the United States is celecoxib, or Celebrex. This selective NSAID helps with inflammation without affecting other systems. Celebrex has a lower risk of stomach ulcers, and bleeding due to long term use of NSAID. As well as it lowers the risk of gastrointestinal complications.

NSAIDs are usually fine for anyone to take. Unless you are allergic. You should also not take NSAIDs if you have asthma, they can trigger or worsen asthma symptoms in someone who suffers from asthma. It is also important to not take NSAIDs if you are pregnant. They can cause complications to the fetus such as kidney problems, low amniotic fluid, or premature closure of a key fetal blood vessel. You should also not take an NSAID if you have heart disease. NSAIDs can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke because they affect your blood clotting, blood pressure, and kidney function.

Tylenol is not an NSAID. It does help alleviate mild pain and fever. It is a good alternative for people who shouldn’t or can’t take NSAIDs when needed. Prolonged use of tylenol can cause liver toxicity. Tylenol can be a good pain reliever option. Especially for infants that are under 6 months of age. It does come in various forms such as a pill, chewable tablet, or liquid. Tylenol does not affect your body’s blood pressure, or blood clotting so it can be taken right up to the day of surgery if you are undergoing a procedure.

The differences between Tyenol, Advil, and Aleve can seem minor. Advil can only be given to children that are 6 months or older. Aleve can only be given to children that are 2 years and older. Advil and Aleve both are longer lasting than Tylenol. You cannot take Advil or Aleve up to 72 hours before a surgical procedure. Advil and Aleve not only help reduce pain or fever but they also help as an anti-inflammatory, which Tylenol does not.