by Caroline Fynn

Created on: July 06, 2009

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are usually prescribed to relieve pain, inflammation and stiffness. They are commonly administered in the treatment of arthritic conditions, they do not provide a cure of alter progress; therefore they are frequently prescribed alongside other drugs.

NSAIDs are effective in the relief of mild to moderate pain, and are commonly prescribed for certain types of back pain, menstrual pain, headaches, and pain resulting from soft tissue injuries.

Probably the strongest NSAID, and one of the oldest, is Phenylbutazone. Introduced in 1949, this drug has been illegally used to dope race horses. Phenylbutazone can impair the formation of red blood cells within the bone marrow; therefore it is no longer commonly prescribed, except maybe for relief of the pain, inflammation and stiffness involved in the condition known as Ankylosing Spondylitis.

NSAIDs are usually manufactured in tablet, capsule, and liquid form, or as a gel or cream for topical application. When swallowed, the drug is rapidly absorbed from the digestive system. The most common side effects are nausea, indigestion and changes in bowel activity. Topical NSAIDs produce little or no side effects.

NSAIDs are known to irritate the gastrointestinal tract and prolonged use can cause bleeding in the stomach and/or the duodenum. It is for this reason that NSAIDs are not normally prescribed for those with a history of peptic ulcers.

In some cases, when it is discovered that certain NSAIDs have created gastric problems, an enteric coated tablet can sometimes be prescribed. This enables the drug to be absorbed within the intestine, therefore avoiding complications within the stomach and duodenum.

NSAIDs can impair blood clotting, therefore they are not normally prescribed to those with a history of bleeding disorders, and they are prescribed with caution alongside other drugs that reduce blood clotting.

Commonly prescribed NSAIDs include:

Benorylate

Ibuprofen

Mefenamic Acid

Naproxen

Benorylate

Along with the relief of pain and swelling, Benorylate is effective in the reduction of the fever and discomfort experienced when suffering from influenza. It is manufactured in tablet and liquid form.

Dosage 4g - 8g daily

Common Side Effects

Nausea

Constipation or Diarrhoea

Indigestion

Heartburn

Rare Side Effects

Drowsiness

Dizziness

Rash

Jaundice

Wheezing

Ibuprofen

Ibuprofen has fewer side effects than most other NSAIDs. It comes in tablet, capsule and

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