What are NSAIDs and How Do They Work?
What are NSAIDs? The acronym stands for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. NSAID is actually composed of several medications with varying functions and effects. Majority of them are used as analgesic or pain reduction, antipyretic or fever reduction, and anti-inflammation or relief for swelling. What separates NSAIDs from all other inflammatory drugs is the absence of an addictive and harmful component, steroids.When it comes to determining what the NSAIDs are, the usual list should include aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen. But aside from being non-steroidal, these drugs are popular since they can be conveniently bought over-the-counter or they are available without any prescription from a doctor.
What are NSAIDs and When Can They Be Used?
Remember though that not all non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are purchased over-the-counter. There are other higher concentration and dosage medications that need a prescription before you can buy and use them. But in general, heres a list of common conditions where this group of meds can be used:Pain the answer to the query, what are NSAIDs can be best addressed by saying that the drugs under this medication category are intended primarily for eliminating and relieving pain in the body. It can provide immediate but mostly temporary relief for muscle pain, headache, and pain during menstruation, commonly cramps.Inflammation the next important use of NSAID is the treatment of inflammation.Obviously, a lot of people rely on non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to combat the effects of rheumatism, soreness, and arthritis.Fever the minor advantage of NSAID is the effective reduction or prevention of fever. Basically, it lets you manage your body temperature and be able to prevent the onset of incoming fever or symptoms of it.
What are NSAIDs and How Can They Be Taken?
There are several ways of utilizing non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. But just like common medication, the traditional ways include:Oral as in tablet, syrup, suspension, or capsule formIntravenous or through the use of an injection or syringe Rectal as used via the rectum
What are NSAIDs Side Effects?
However, just like any other medicine or drug, there is always the certainty of side effects for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Although there is an extensive list of benefits, patients and doctors alike must understand that the risks of side effects can often be serious or deadly at times. Heres a breakdown of some of NSAIDs Side Effects:Stomach Ulcer ulcers born out of long term dependence on non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. What happens is that because of the large concentration of medication in the intestines, a hole in the wall of the stomach is created, thus, aggravating a serious ulcer complication.Gastrointestinal Bleeding this side effect is almost the same to that of ulcer since it relates to what will eventually happen to the intestines when too much NSAID is taken by the body.Heart Problems the heart has the tendency to lose enough blood and oxygen when there is too much interference of drugs in the system. As this happens, a heart problem and worse, an attack may take place.
What Are NSAIDs Based on Chemical Structure
We all have a bit of knowledge about non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs when it comes to classifying them according to brand and generic name. But you can also classify them according to chemical structure. The following are the most common types:Acetic AcidExamples: Sulindac, Diclofenac, EtodolacPropionic AcidExamples: Ibuprofen, Fenoprofen, OxaprozinEnolic AcidExamples: Isoxicam, Piroxicam, TenoxicamFenamic AcidExamples: Mefenamic, Tolfenamic, MeclofenamicCOX-2 InhibitorsExamples: Celecoxib, Etoricoxib, ValdecoxibKnowing what are NSAIDs is an invaluable tool to help with your pain management.
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