Non Steroidal Anti Inflammatory Drugs(NSAIDS) such as Aspirin, Nimesulide, Celcoxib, Ibuprofen are painkillers with moderate potency. They also has an anti- inflammatory property which helps to reduce inflammation in the joints. They are indicated in arthritis which does not affect the progression of the disease and painful non rheumatic conditions of tendons and muscles.
Ibuprofen is the only drug that is used as an antipyretic, but it’s not recommended in dengue fever and other undiagnosed fevers where treatment of choice is paracetamol.
Side Effects of NSAIDS
There are many adverse effects of NSAIDS including Gastrointestinal toxicity, hypersensitivity reactions, headache, dizziness, hearing disturbances, fluid retention and renal toxicity. But you don’t have to worry much about it as all these side effects are not common in all drugs and severity varies from person to person. Make sure to answer your doctor’s questions properly so he can choose the best medicine for you after comparing risks vs benefits of the drug.
Ibuprofen, Aspirin have mild gastric adverse effects which is more suitable for patients with gastritis where as Ketoprofen, Piroxicam is with severe gastric side effects. Make sure you answer truthfully about smoking, drinking alcohol, allergies and cardiovascular diseases before your doctor prescribe.
Dosage Forms of Non Steroidal Anti Inflammatory Drugs
Most preparations are oral but there are also suppositories, topical preparations and injections as well. There are few pros n cons of non parental methods. Suppositories are absorbed more slowly through the rectal mucosa than the oral route. Longer acting NSAIDS by mouth are preferred over suppositories as they can cause rectal irritation and inflammation. Topical preparations are also slowly absorbed and side effects are less. Most of them are expensive and less effective. Only a few NSAIDS are available as injections to be injected into the joints. Diclofenac sodium injections are no longer being used due to serious side effects and death.
Your doctor will never prescribe you with NSAIDS if you have previous history of hypersensitivity to aspirin or other NSAID, pregnancy, coagulation problems and active peptic ulcers. If you are breastfeeding your doctor may prescribe NSAIDS cautiously.
Keep in mind always not to misuse drugs if you can tolerate a mild pain or can manage with paracetamol because side effects are low.
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