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 liquid form, and as a cream for topical use.
Dosage 600mg - 2.4g daily
Common Side Effects
Nausea
Vomiting
Heartburn
Indigestion
Rare Side Effects
Rash
Wheezing
Breathlessness
Mefenamic Acid
Mefenamic Acid can be taken in tablet, capsule and liquid form, it is particularly effective in the treatment of menstrual pain, and it has an additional advantage in that it reduces menstrual bleeding.
Dosage 750mg - 1.5g daily
Common Side Effects
Indigestion
Diarrhoea
Rare Side Effects
Dizziness
Drowsiness
Nausea
Vomiting
Abdominal Pain
Rash
Wheezing
Breathlessness
Naproxen
Naproxen can be taken in tablet and liquid form, and it also manufactured as a powder, and as a suppository. It is sometimes prescribed to relieve the pain of migraines and is commonly administered following dental surgery. Naproxen carries an increase in the risk of gastric bleeding than other NSAIDs.
Dosage 500mg - 1250mg daily
Common Side Effects
Gastrointestinal disorders
Rare Side Effects
Headache
Dizziness
Drowsiness
Ringing in the ears
Swollen feet and/or ankles
Rash
Wheezing
Breathlessness
Other NSAIDs include:
Benzydamine
Delmeclofenamate
Diclofenac
Diflunisal
Felbinac
Fenbufen
Fenoprofen
Indomethasin
Ketoprofen
Meclofenamate
Phenylbutazone
Piroxicam
Sulindac
Tolmetin
If a rash appears when taking any NSAID, the drug should be stopped and the problem discussed with a doctor at the earliest opportunity. If wheezing, breathlessness or jaundice occurs then the drug should be stopped and a doctor contacted immediately.