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Non Steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
(NSAIDs) are medications used to relieve
pains associated with inflammation.
These drugs act by blocking the effects
of inflammation that occurs in the
lining of our joints. Anti-inflammatory
drugs can be very effective in controlling
the pain and stiffness of arthritis.
Usually you will feel a benefit within
hours of taking these drugs but the
effect will only last for a few hours,
so the tablets have to be taken at
regular intervals for the benefit
to continue. Some people find that
these tablets are of little help,
while others find that they help at
first but the benefit begins to wear
off after a few weeks. In this situation
it sometimes helps to try a different
anti-inflammatory drug – there
are over forty available.
NSAIDs reduce both pain and inflammation.
They are particularly useful if you
have headaches, period pains, sprains
and strains, or back pain. They are
good for relieving the pain and swelling
following minor injury. They also
relieve pain and swelling of your
joints if you have arthritis or any
other rheumatic problem. However,
they do not stop the progress of these
diseases. Your doctor may prescribe
other medications to tackle the underlying
problem.
How do anti-inflammatory drugs work
?
If your body tissues get inflamed
or damaged, they release chemicals
called prostaglandins at the point
of injury. NSAIDs stop your tissues
producing the prostaglandins and therefore
reduce pain. They also lessen the
swelling and inflammation produced
by prostaglandins and other chemicals
produced by tissue damage.
What precautions do I need to take
for anti-inflammatory drugs?
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
can cause a number of side effects,
some of which may be very serious
(See Side effects). These side effects
are more likely when the drugs are
taken in large doses or for a long
time or when two or more nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs are taken
together. Health care professionals
can help patients weigh the risks
of benefits of taking these medicines
for long periods.
- If you take NSAIDs for prolonged
periods (months), make sure you have
regular check ups by your healthcare
provider.
- Notify your healthcare provider
if you regularly consume alcoholic
beverages. Your medications may need
to be modified.
- Serious side effects resulting in
severe and even life-threatening illness
(from such problems as bleeding ulcers
and others) can occur without warning.
- Do not take other NSAIDs, including
over the counter NSAIDs (Advil, Nuprin,
Aleve) and aspirin, with this prescription.
Continuing the use of daily single
low dose aspirin compounds for prevention
of cardiovascular conditions is usually
acceptable.
- NSAIDs can also affect other medical
conditions such as high blood pressure,
kidney problems, asthma and others.
Make sure you have informed your healthcare
provider about all your medical problems
and all the medications you take (prescription
and over the counter, including vitamins
and homeopathic compounds) before
taking this new medication.
- Since some NSAIDs can cause drowsiness;
make sure you know how you react to
the NSAID before operating machinery
or other jobs that require you to
be alert.
What are the likely side effects
of Anti-Inflammatory Drugs ?
There are many other potential side
effects, but these vary according
to the drug chosen and the individual
taking it. The other side effects
are far less likely to occur.
Specific allergy to a NSAID can be
quite dramatic, with rash, swelling
of the face, and sometimes difficulty
breathing. (If this happens you should
call for help urgently.) As with other
drugs, if you get a reaction which
you suspect to be a side effect, stop
taking it and check with your doctor.
Sometimes, if the reaction involves
an itchy rash and or swelling, it
is worth trying an antihistamine in
the meantime.
Some people with asthma react to
the NSAIDs by getting more wheezy.
If this happens you should stop the
drug, and use your usual asthma medication,
calling the doctor if this does not
work.
What are the likely drug interactions
of Anti-Inflammatory Drugs ?
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
may interact with a variety of other
medicines. When this happens, the
effects of the drugs may change, and
the risk of side effects may be greater.
Anyone who takes these drugs should
let the physician know all other medicines
he or she is taking. Among the drugs
that may interact with nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs are:
- Blood thinning drugs, such as
warfarin (Coumadin)
- Other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory
drugs
- Heparin
- Tetracyclines
- Cyclosprorine
- Digitalis drugs
- Lithium
- Phenytoin (Dilantin)
- Zidovudine (AZT, Retrovir).
What are the drugs that come under
anti-inflammatory medications ?
Based on your health condition your
doctor may prescribe any of the following
anti-inflammatory drugs
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