Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhich NSAID Is Best?What Conditions Are NSAIDs Used For?Common OTCsCommon PrescriptionsPrescription vs. OTCPotential RisksAdditional Treatments
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Which NSAID Is Best?
What Conditions Are NSAIDs Used For?
Common OTCs
Common Prescriptions
Prescription vs. OTC
Potential Risks
Additional Treatments
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are used in different strengths for treating various common conditions, like arthritis, tendonitis, and bursitis. These NSAIDs help decrease pain, control fever, and reduceinflammation.
Finding the best NSAID depends on the condition being treated and the person’s age. However, they can have some side effects, especially for people who have underlying risk factors, such asstomach ulcersorhigh blood pressure.
What Does “Anti-Inflammatory” Mean?
Usually, different NSAIDs can have similar effects. For example, if you are experiencing discomfort from arthritis, you might get relief from either Aleve (naproxen) or Advil (ibuprofen). But sometimes, people have a different response to treatment with a different medication, and a few medications might help your symptoms, while others do not have a significant effect.
It’s difficult to predict which medications will be the most beneficial. The best way to determine which NSAID is best for you is to try different options. Often a healthcare provider will recommend one NSAID, and if symptoms don’t improve within several weeks of treatment, another NSAID can be tried.
One of the best reasons to consider some of the COX-2 inhibitors, such as Celebrex or meloxicam, is that these may be taken as once-a-day doses rather than three or four times daily. In addition, the COX-2 inhibitors are thought to have fewer side effects on the stomach.
Is Ibuprofen or Naproxen Better for Inflammation?There isn’t much research comparing ibuprofen and naproxen. Ibuprofen typically will provide pain relief faster.Both drugs are similar in strength once they start working, and they have similar side effects, though Naproxen’s effects can be expected to last longer. Keep in mind that you should not take both at the same time.
Is Ibuprofen or Naproxen Better for Inflammation?
There isn’t much research comparing ibuprofen and naproxen. Ibuprofen typically will provide pain relief faster.Both drugs are similar in strength once they start working, and they have similar side effects, though Naproxen’s effects can be expected to last longer. Keep in mind that you should not take both at the same time.
NSAIDs can be used to help reduce symptoms of various conditions and ailments. Some of these include arthritis, headaches, menstrual cramps/pain, muscle injuries, cold/flu symptoms, fever, and coronavirus (COVID-19).
Over-the-counter (OTC) NSAIDs are meant for short-term use. If your healthcare provider approves long-term use, always check for side effects.
There are several NSAIDs sold over the counter under different brand names and as a generic:
Many people experience adequate symptom relief withOTC NSAIDsand do not need to take stronger, prescription-strength options. While both OTC and prescription NSAIDs help relieve pain, prescription NSAIDs are more likely to reduce inflammation. Sometimes prescription NSAIDs are used for long-lasting relief.
Is Tylenol an NSAID?Tylenol (acetaminophen)is not an NSAID. While it has analgesic (pain-relieving) and antipyretic (fever-reducing) properties like NSAIDs, it doesn’t reduce inflammation or coagulation (blood clotting). This is because Tylenol only acts on thecentral nervous system, while NSAIDs act systemically, affecting both the central nervous system and the body as a whole.
Is Tylenol an NSAID?
Tylenol (acetaminophen)is not an NSAID. While it has analgesic (pain-relieving) and antipyretic (fever-reducing) properties like NSAIDs, it doesn’t reduce inflammation or coagulation (blood clotting). This is because Tylenol only acts on thecentral nervous system, while NSAIDs act systemically, affecting both the central nervous system and the body as a whole.
Prescriptions vs. OTCs
NSAIDs are available in both over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription formulations. Much of the difference among NSAID drugs lies in how they target the two forms of thecyclooxygenaseenzyme, called COX-1 and COX-2.
COX-1 is most active in tissues including those that protect the digestive tract; COX-2 plays a key anti-inflammatory role (reducing pain and fever) in the body. The NSAID drugs have been developed across a spectrum that makes them selective (act on receptors for) COX-1 or COX-2. Some drugs, like Advil, are considered non-selective.
COX-2 inhibitorsmay be an option for people who have gastrointestinal side effects, which are common with OTC NSAIDs. The prescription-only COX-2 inhibitor Celebrex (celecoxib) was developed to provide pain relief without causing digestive or bleeding risks.
Celebrexremains the only prescription option in the United States for people seeking a selective COX-2 inhibitor.
NSAID medications have potential side effects, even those that can be obtained over the counter. Some of the side effects are minor, and others are potentially dangerous.
Some people may be more prone to side effects. However, it is important to understand that even for healthy people without underlying medical conditions, there is an associated risk. The benefits of taking an anti-inflammatory medication need to be balanced with the possible risks of taking the medication.
Always check with your healthcare provider before giving your child an NSAID.It’s important to give the correct dose and check any other medications your child takes to avoid double-dosing. Never give aspirin to a child as this may causeReye’s syndrome, a rare, but serious illness that can cause brain swelling.
Anyone taking NSAID medications for more than a few days should have a discussion with their healthcare provider about the potential for side effects.
Interactions
Some of the more common side effects of NSAID medications include:
These are not the only risks associated with NSAIDs, but they are the most common. It is always safest to discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider and ask about the risks of taking these medications.
Medicine isn’t the only way to control inflammation and discomfort. Due to the possible side effects of medication, many healthcare providers recommend other methods to control inflammation, especially chronic inflammation.
Some have better scientific support than others, but almost all are safe to try. Among them is the R.I.C.E. protocol, which stands for:
Other treatments that may be helpful include certainfoods and supplementsassociated with the anti-inflammatory diet. Topical treatments andphysical activities or therapyalso may help.
An often-neglected method to control inflammation is rest. Getting enough overall rest and sleep as well as taking it easy on the injured part of your body allows the inflammation to subside and the recovery process to unfold.
Keep in mind that some options, likephysical therapy, can be done in combination with medications.
Summary
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are available in various strengths and for different purposes. Common over-the-counter (OTC) medications are used to relieve pain and reduce swelling, often during a temporary illness or injury.
Prescription NSAIDs may be used when stronger or long-acting medications are needed, often to treat chronic pain. Their interaction with forms of the cyclooxygenase enzyme (COX) is a factor in safety and efficacy, as are a person’s specific health history and other treatments for any underlying conditions.
Always talk to your healthcare provider about NSAID use, even when considering an OTC product, especially if you think a health condition like heart disease may put you at risk.
17 Sources
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