If you’re dealing with mild pain at home, there’s a good chance you already have several over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications stocked in your medicine cabinet. ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin), naproxen (Aleve) and aspirin (Bayer or Ecotrin) are common painkillers that belong to a class of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
NSAIDs can certainly help relieve mild aches and pains. calm inflammationHowever, they are not suitable for everyone. For people with pre-existing health conditions, there are some risks and important side effects to consider. Here’s what experts need to know about using NSAIDs.
What are NSAIDs?
NSAIDs are a class of drugs that target aches, pains, and inflammatory processes in the body, explains David Mangan, chief pharmaceutical officer at Massachusetts Memorial Medical Center. Taking NSAIDs can help relieve discomfort. heatmuscle pain, back pain, toothache, menstrual painheadaches, tendonitis, bursitis, etc. Dr. Anuret WaliaMD, pain management specialist.
NSAIDs work by reducing the production of prostaglandins in the body, Walia says. prostaglandin A lipid with hormone-like properties. According to the Cleveland Clinic, they play a key role in several important processes in the body, including inflammation and pain perception. Taking NSAIDs also reduces inflammation, pain, and fever by reducing the production of prostaglandins, Walia explains.
What are the most powerful anti-inflammatory drugs?
According to Walia, naproxen is considered to be the most powerful anti-inflammatory drug available over the counter. However, this does not mean that other over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs are less effective at reducing inflammation. The only difference is the duration of action. Naproxen is a long-acting drug that only needs to be taken twice a day. long term pain management” explains Walia. ibuprofenBy comparison, it works faster than naproxen. However, she says that ibuprofen’s effects wear off quickly, so you need to take it more frequently throughout the day.
Patients with pain that is not adequately covered by OTC medications may benefit from prescription-grade NSAIDs, Mangan said. “Prescription NSAIDs typically have the same mechanism of action as OTC NSAIDs, but they are often more potent and may be formulated and dosed differently,” Walia says. Common examples include celecoxib (Celebrex), diclofenac (Voltaren), indomethacin (Indocin), and meloxicam (Mobic), Walia says.
What are the risks of NSAIDs?
There are several possible side effects of taking NSAIDs, including gastrointestinal problems (such as inflammation, ulcers, and bleeding) and increased risk of inflammation. heart attack and strokedecreased renal function, increase in blood pressure There are also allergic reactions, including rash, itching and difficulty breathing, Walia said.
more: How often to take ibuprofen: Here’s how much Advil you can (and should) take in a day.
Because of the risks associated with NSAIDs, people with kidney problems or a history of gastrointestinal bleeding should avoid taking them, Mangan said. According to Cleveland, you should also: Avoid taking NSAIDs If you are pregnant, or have a stroke, heart attack, heart failure, stomach ulcer, Crohn’s disease, or ulcerative colitisuncontrolled diabetes, chronic acid reflux (GERD), high blood pressure, and liver disease.
If you have a pre-existing health condition or have concerns about taking NSAIDs, always talk to your health care provider or pharmacist first, Walia says.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY. What are the most powerful anti-inflammatory drugs?
