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Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

Also in: हिन्दी தமிழ் मराठी తెలుగు ಕನ್ನಡ বাংলা ગુજરાતી മലയാളം

NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) are medicines used to relieve pain, reduce inflammation and bring down fever. Common examples include ibuprofen, diclofenac, naproxen, aspirin and mefenamic acid. They can irritate the stomach and, in some people, affect the kidneys and heart, so they are generally used at the lowest dose that works for the shortest time.

Pharmacist review in progress. This page is based on the sources listed below and is being checked by our registered pharmacist.

How do Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) work?

NSAIDs block enzymes called cyclo-oxygenases (COX-1 and COX-2), which make prostaglandins. Prostaglandins cause pain, swelling and fever, but they also help protect the stomach lining and keep blood flowing to the kidneys, which explains the stomach and kidney side effects of NSAIDs.

Active ingredients of this type

These active ingredients belong to Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). They are listed A to Z.

  • Mefenamic acid: Mefenamic acid is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to relieve mild to moderate pain, especially period pain.

Common questions

Can two NSAIDs be taken together?

Not unless a doctor advises it. Taking two NSAIDs together, such as ibuprofen with diclofenac or mefenamic acid, raises the risk of stomach bleeding and kidney problems. Many combination products already contain an NSAID, so check the label or ask a pharmacist.

Is paracetamol an NSAID?

No. Paracetamol relieves pain and fever but does little to reduce inflammation, and it is less likely to irritate the stomach. Ask a doctor or pharmacist before combining any painkillers.

Sources

  1. National Formulary of India. Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission
  2. Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs). StatPearls, National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), US National Library of Medicine
  3. NSAIDs. NHS (UK)