NSAID: Definition, Uses, Side Effects, and More
Wellness & SelfcareDrugs

Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

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Updated on October 22, 2024
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Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are a class of medications that relieve pain, fever, and inflammation. They may be used to treat a range of conditions, including headaches, arthritis, and menstrual cramps. Some types of NSAIDs are available over-the-counter (OTC), while others require a prescription.

What Are NSAIDs?

As their name implies, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are nonsteroid drugs that reduce inflammation, pain, fever, and stiffness.

NSAIDs work by inhibiting the production of inflammatory-causing chemicals. If your body produces too many of these chemicals, you may experience inflammatory symptoms, such as pain, fever, or stiffness.

By blocking the release of these chemicals, NSAIDs can ease pain and discomfort.

What Conditions Do NSAIDs Treat?

An NSAID can treat various conditions that involve pain and inflammation.

Inflammation is the body’s natural response to a foreign substance or object. For example, if your immune system detects a germ or sharp object against your skin, it releases an inflammatory response to fight off the “intruder” and heal.

While inflammation can help us heal from an injury or illness, too much inflammation can cause a range of symptoms and illnesses. Inflammation can also be harmful if the body starts attacking its own cells, which could lead to chronic inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, Crohn’s disease, or ulcerative colitis.

NSAIDs may be used to treat the following conditions:

Types of NSAIDs

Different NSAIDs have different strengths. Some are available as both OTC and prescription drugs, while others are prescription-only.

Common OTC NSAIDs include:

  • Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
  • Aspirin (Vazalore, Bayer, St. Joseph)
  • Naproxen sodium (Aleve)
Prescription NSAIDs include:

  • Celecoxib (Celebrex)
  • Diclofenac (Voltaren)
  • Fenoprofen (Nalfon)
  • Indomethacin (Indocin)
  • Ketorolac (Toradol)
Most NSAIDs are available as tablets that you can take orally (by mouth). Some are also available for topical use (applied directly to the skin), like diclofenac topical (Pennsaid), which can be used to treat osteoarthritis or pain from injuries.

In some cases, a doctor may administer NSAIDs intravenously (IV) to relieve pain from surgery.

How Do NSAIDs Work?

An NSAID works by blocking certain enzymes called cyclo-oxygenase enzymes, or COX enzymes. COX enzymes produce prostaglandins — hormone-like chemicals in the body that control pain, inflammation, and blood clotting.

By blocking the COX enzymes that produce these substances, NSAIDs can reduce inflammatory responses like pain, swelling, and fever.

What Are the Possible Side Effects of NSAIDs?

Common side effects of NSAIDs may include:

  • Gas
  • Bloating
  • Heartburn
  • Stomach pain
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea or constipation
  • Mild headache
  • Dizziness
  • Lightheadedness
To minimize your chances of developing gastrointestinal (GI) side effects, take NSAIDs with food, milk, or antacids.

Additionally, avoid taking different NSAIDs together. It may also be helpful to take the lowest possible dose for the shortest period of time.

In some cases, NSAIDs may cause serious side effects. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following:

  • Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
  • Itching
  • Red or peeling skin
  • Unexpected weight gain
  • Stools that are bloody, black, or tarry
  • Bloody or cloudy urine
  • Blurred vision
  • Severe stomach pain
  • Vomit that looks like coffee grounds
  • Flu-like symptoms
  • Fatigue
  • Yellowing of the eyes or skin (jaundice)
  • Sensitivity to light
Seek immediate medical care if you experience any signs of an NSAID allergic reaction, including:

  • Swelling
  • Rash or hives
  • Bruising or bleeding without explanation
  • Wheezing, difficulty breathing, or unusual cough
  • Chest pain
  • Fast heartbeat

Are There Any Risks Related to NSAIDs?

Although NSAIDs can reduce inflammation, they can also interfere with the body’s ability to heal.

 NSAIDs have also been linked to an increased cardiovascular risk,

 and long-term NSAID use can cause ulcers in some people.

An NSAID overdose may lead to GI bleeding, high blood pressure, and liver or kidney damage.

Before taking an NSAID, tell your doctor if you have:

NSAIDs are also not recommended during the third trimester of pregnancy.

The Takeaway

NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) are medications used to treat pain, fever, and inflammation by blocking the production of prostaglandins — chemicals in the body that cause pain and inflammation. NSAIDs may cause side effects, and they pose some risks if you have certain health conditions or you’re taking them for a long period. Before taking an NSAID, talk to your healthcare provider.

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Stephanie Young Moss, PharmD

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Resources
  1. Ghlichloo I et al. Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs). StatPearls. May 1, 2023.
  2. NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs). Cleveland Clinic. July 24, 2023.
  3. In Brief: What Is an Inflammation? InformedHealth.org. May 18, 2021.
  4. Schjerning A et al. Cardiovascular effects and safety of (non-aspirin) NSAIDs. Nature Reviews Cardiology. September 2020.