Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) are components of a drug group that alleviate pain, inflammation, fever and reduces blood clots. These drugs are the most prescribed medicines as they can provide pain relief in an instant. NSAID medicines are usually taken to alleviate the pain after surgery. Moreover, over-the-counter NSAID drugs are more accessible to purchase than medicines that require a prescription. But what is the safest NSAID to use? Based on research, naproxen is the safest anti-inflammatory drug that has fewer side effects.
How it Works
The information for each drug may differ. But almost all anti-inflammatory drugs work identically. How do they reduce pain? By restricting the effects of chemicals that promote pain. But that is not what they are all about. NSAIDs also helps in reducing swelling, which lessens the pain.
What’s bothersome about NSAIDs is that they affect the other parts of the body. Because just like other systemic drugs, it affects the whole body. That said, if you took an anti-inflammatory drug for back pain, it would most likely cause a reaction in other body parts.
List of Safest NSAID to Use
In this generation, a lot of people would still prefer traditional and alternative methods to reduce pain. But let’s admit it, taking a single tablet of a drug is much more convenient, especially for our busy lives.
There are different variations of NSAID to this day. Some have unpleasant side effects, and some are mild enough not to pose any threat at all. If you are trying to find the safest NSAID to use, you are lucky because there are plenty of FDA-approved drugs under this category.
Here’s the list of NSAID to use for your reference:
- Aspirin
- Ibuprofen
- Celecoxib
- Etodolac
- Diclofenac
- Ketoprofen
- Ketorolac
- Diflunisal
- Tolmetin
- Salsalate
- Oxaprozin
- Nabumetone
These NSAID drugs are all used to reduce inflammation, provide pain relief, manage fever, and promote quick healing.
Side Effects
Each kind of anti-inflammatory drug has its own side effects. But below are the most common side effects that almost all of them possess.
- diarrhea
- vomiting
- constipation
- rash
- dizziness
- loss of appetite
- headaches
- drowsiness
Apart from mild side effects, unsafe use of NSAID can result in severe health conditions, including:
- liver failure
- kidney failure
- ulcers
- longer bleeding time
Taking NSAIDs occasionally is generally safe. Almost everyone takes these drugs for hangovers, headaches, or body pain and does not experience any side effects. However, using these medicines permanently for pain relief could pose health risks.
According to research, the gastrointestinal tract usually suffers the consequences. In addition, 50% of bleeding ulcers are due to excessive use of NSAIDs. Bleeding internal body parts are dangerous and should not be ignored. The sad thing is that many people tend to shrug off the symptoms; they do not understand how risky their situation would be.
How Long Should You Use NSAID
It is essential to know how long to use the drugs to prevent complications. Over-the-counter NSAIDs should not be taken for more than three days, specifically for fever. But if the drugs are used for pain relief, a person must take them longer than ten days unless your doctor says otherwise.
Anti-inflammatory drugs are not meant for long-term use. They can instantly relieve pain and reduce inflammation, so there is no reason to take them permanently. If you are experiencing chronic pain, it would be wiser to give your doctor a visit.
Important Factors to Consider
The safety of NSAID medicines is subjective. For instance, some people show allergic reactions to the drugs accompanied by breathing difficulty. People diagnosed with asthma will most likely experience shortness of breath no matter what kind of anti-inflammatory drug they use.
Moreover, doctors suggest taking precautions in using aspirin for teens and children with chickenpox and influenza. Studies show that taking anti-inflammatory drugs while suffering from these conditions could lead to the development of Reye’s syndrome, a dangerous liver disease. Hence, suggesting that mixing non-aspirin salicylates and NSAID medicines is not advisable in any circumstance.
Furthermore, NSAID drugs also increase the risk of intestinal reactions. This condition could be fatal and should be adequately addressed by a health professional. Internal bleeding, ulcer development, and stomach perforation might happen without warnings. In addition, older adults are more at risk of these conditions.
References:
Are Anti-Inflammatory Pain Relievers Safe for You? (https://www.webmd.com/osteoarthritis/features/are-nsaids-safe-for-you)
