【Major points】
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory pain relievers have anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic effects.
- Those with gastrointestinal diseases or abnormal liver and kidney function should be prescribed by a doctor before use.
- NSAIDs have good effects in pain relief. But if side effects occur, you should seek medical attention immediately.
What are Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)?
NSAIDs include aspirin and drugs that inhibit the formation of cyclooxygenase (COX), are a class of drug that mitigates pain, decreases fever, and reduces inflammation.
What are the common uses?
- Relieves musculoskeletal pain and reduces inflammation. They are used in rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis.
- Some NSAIDs reduces uterine contractions and relieves dysmenorrhea.
- Reduces fever.
- Inhibits platelet agglutination and prevents blood clot formation.
What should not be given with NSAIDs?
When the following conditions are present, please follow the doctor's instructions use.
- Patients with a history of gastrointestinal ulcers or gastrointestinal bleeding.
- Abnormal liver and kidney function.
- Patients who are allergic to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory painkillers should not use it.
Principles of care:
- The most common side effects are gastrointestinal symptoms, such as indigestion, gastric or duodenal ulcers with bleeding or perforation, strictures or obstructions, ulcerative oral mucositis or colitis, etc. NSAIDs should be taken with food, milk, or antacids to minimize gastrointestinal side effects. If symptoms continue or worsen, please contact your doctor.
- If there is a rash, itching, visual impairment, decreased urine, weight gain, edema, tarry stool or persistent headache, stop using NSAIDs and seek medical attention immediately.
- NSAIDs may cause drowsiness, dizziness or blurred vision, therefore, you should pay more attention while driving or doing tasks that require concentration.
- Avoid the use of alcohol when taking NSAIDs.
- NSAIDs are useful in treating arthritis and controlling pain, do not stop using the drug abruptly. If side effects occur, seek medical treatment immediately.
- Long-term use of NSAIDs needs to be assessed by a physician.
- If there is a history of drug allergies, consult a pharmacist and physician before taking NSAIDs.
Reference
- Dai, H. W., Chang, C. W., Chen, M. J., Lin, W. C., & Chu, C. H. (2019). Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug-induced enteropathy in the elderly. International Journal of Gerontology, 13(2), 181-182. https://doi.org/10.6890/IJGE.201906_13(2).0017
- Pok, L.S.L., Shabaruddin, F.H., Dahlui, M., Sockalingam, S., Mohamed Said, M.S., Rosman, A., Lau, I.S., Isa, L.M., Hussein, H., Ng, C.T. & Mahadeva, S. (2018). Clinical and economic implications of upper gastrointestinal adverse events in Asian rheumatological patients on long‐term non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs. International Journal of Rheumatic Diseases, 21(5), 943-951. https://doi.org/10.1111/1756-185X.13256
- Tai, F., & McAlindon, M. (2021). Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and the gastrointestinal tract. Clinical Medicine, 21(2), 131-134. https://doi.org/10.7861/clinmed.2021-0039