Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug
Drug class reducing pain, inflammation, fever, and blood clots.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are a therapeutic drug class that reduces pain, decreases inflammation, decreases fever, and prevents blood clots. They work by inhibiting the activity of cyclooxygenase enzymes (COX-1 and COX-2), which are involved in the synthesis of prostaglandins and thromboxanes.
- field
- Pharmacology
- known_for
- Reducing pain, inflammation, fever, and preventing blood clots
- examples
- Aspirin, ibuprofen, diclofenac, naproxen
- mechanism
- Inhibition of cyclooxygenase enzymes (COX-1 and COX-2)
- side_effects
- Gastrointestinal ulcers and bleeds, heart attack, kidney disease
Lore & Background
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are often suggested for acute or chronic conditions where pain and inflammation are present, including chronic pain, surgical pain, and dental pain. About 60% of patients respond to any NSAID; those who do not respond to one may respond to another. Pain relief starts soon after the first dose, with full analgesic effect normally within a week, while anti-inflammatory effect may take up to three weeks. Aspirin, the only NSAID able to irreversibly inhibit COX-1, is also indicated for antithrombosis through inhibition of platelet aggregation, useful for preventing heart attacks.
Reader's Guide
NSAIDs are significant for their widespread use in managing pain and inflammation, but their adverse effects have become increasingly common. Use increases the risk of gastrointestinal problems, kidney disease, and adverse cardiovascular events, including myocardial infarction and stroke. NSAIDs, aside from aspirin, are not recommended in those who have had a previous heart attack, as they increase the risk of death or recurrent MI. Evidence indicates naproxen may be the least harmful among them. The balance of benefits and risks for people over 65 has not been well determined.
Did You Know?
- Paracetamol (acetaminophen) is generally not considered an NSAID because it has only minor anti-inflammatory activity.
- Aspirin is the only NSAID able to irreversibly inhibit COX-1.
- An estimated 10–20% of people taking NSAIDs experience indigestion.
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