【Major points】
- NSAIDs can reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and lower fever.
-
If you have stomach, liver, or kidney problems, use them only under a doctor’s advice.
- NSAIDs are
effective for pain relief, but if you experience any side effects, stop taking the medication and seek medical help right away.
What are Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)?
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) refer to all anti-inflammatory analgesics except steroids, including aspirin and drugs that inhibit the formation of cyclooxygenase (COX), which have anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic effects.
What symptoms may occur if non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are not used properly?
Using NSAIDs may cause stomach discomfort, and
in serious cases, can lead to stomach bleeding or ulcers. They may also worsen
heart, liver, or kidney problems.
Therefore, it’s important to use them only after a doctor’s evaluation and
follow medical instructions carefully.
What are the
common uses of NSAIDs?
-
To relieve inflammation and pain in the muscles, bones, and joints.
They are commonly used to treat conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis.
- Some NSAIDs can reduce uterine contractions and help relieve menstrual cramps.
- To reduce fever
- To help prevent blood clots by reducing platelet aggregation.
When is it not appropriate to use?
When the following situations occur, follow the doctor's instructions before 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 them.
What should I pay attention to?
- The most common side effects involve
the digestive system, such as indigestion, stomach or duodenal ulcers, which may lead
to bleeding or perforation, narrowing or blockage of the intestines, and ulcers in the mouth or colon (colitis).
It is recommended to take NSAIDs with
food or milk to help reduce stomach discomfort.
If symptoms continue or get worse, please inform your doctor.
-
If you experience rash, itching, vision changes, decreased urine output, weight gain, swelling, black stools, or a persistent headache, stop taking the medication and seek medical attention promptly.
- Some people may feel drowsy, dizzy, or have blurred vision while taking NSAIDs.
Avoid driving or doing tasks that require alertness.
- When taking NSAIDs, do not drink alcohol.
- NSAIDs are effective for treating arthritis and pain,
but do
not stop taking them on your own. If you experience side
effects, consult your doctor so they can
adjust the medication if needed.
- Whether long-term use of NSAIDs is needed
should be carefully evaluated by your doctor.
- If you have a history of drug allergies, be sure
to consult your doctor or pharmacist before using
NSAIDs.
Reference
-
Bindu, S., Mazumder, S., & Bandyopadhyay, U. (2020). Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and organ damage: A current perspective. Biochemical Pharmacology, 180, 114147. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bcp.2020.114147
- Panchal, N. K., & Prince Sabina, E. (2023). Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): A current insight into their molecular mechanism eliciting organ toxicities. Food and Chemical Toxicology, 172, 113598. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fct.2022.113598
- Patil, A., Lu, J., Kassir, M., Babaei, M., & Goldust, M. (2022). Adult and juvenile dermatomyositis treatment. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 22(2), 395–401. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.15363
- 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