Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are medicines that are widely used to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and bring down a high temperature. They're often used to relieve symptoms of headaches, painful periods,
sprains and strains, colds and flu, coronavirus (COVID-19), and conditions such as arthritis that can cause long-term
pain. Although NSAIDs are commonly used, they're not suitable for everyone and can sometimes cause side effects. This information is a general overview of NSAIDs. For information about a specific medicine, you can look up your medicine on our Medicines A to Z. NSAIDs are available as tablets, capsules, suppositories (capsules inserted into the bottom), creams, gels and injections. Some can be bought over the counter from pharmacies, while others need a prescription. The main types of NSAIDs include:
NSAIDs may be sold or prescribed under these names or a brand name. They're all similarly effective, although you may find a particular one works best for you. Who can take NSAIDs?Most people can take NSAIDs, but some people need to be careful about taking them. It's a good idea to ask a pharmacist or doctor for advice before taking an NSAID if you:
NSAIDs might not necessarily need to be avoided in these cases, but they should only be used on the advice of a healthcare professional as there may be a higher risk of side effects. If NSAIDs are not suitable, your pharmacist or doctor may suggest alternatives to NSAIDs, such as paracetamol. Side effects of NSAIDsLike all medicines, there's a risk of side effects from NSAIDs. These tend to be more common if you're taking high doses for a long time, or you're elderly or in poor general health. Over-the-counter NSAIDs generally have fewer side effects than stronger prescription medicines. Possible side effects of NSAIDs include:
If you are bothered by side effects, stop taking your medicine and tell your doctor. Interactions with other medicinesSome NSAIDs can react unpredictably with other medicines. This can affect how well either medicine works and increase the risk of side effects. It's particularly important to get medical advice before taking an NSAID if you're already taking:
If you're not sure whether a medicine you're taking is safe to take at the same time as an NSAID, check the leaflet that comes with it, or ask a pharmacist or doctor for advice. Food and alcoholThe leaflet that comes with your medicine should say whether you need to avoid any particular foods or drinks. Ask your pharmacist or doctor if you're not sure. For information about a specific medicine, check the product information about medicines on the A to Z of medicine leaflets on the GOV.UK website. Generally, you do not need to avoid any specific foods while taking NSAIDs. Tablets or capsules should normally be swallowed whole without chewing and taken with water or food to stop them upsetting your stomach. It's usually safe to drink alcohol while taking NSAIDs, but drinking alcohol excessively may irritate your stomach. Overdoses of NSAIDsTaking too much of an NSAID can be dangerous. This is known as taking an overdose. Contact your GP or NHS 111 for advice immediately if you take too much of your medicine. Call 999 for an ambulance immediately if you or someone else experiences serious effects of an overdose, such as fits (seizures), breathing difficulties, or loss of consciousness. Alternatives to NSAIDsAs NSAIDs can cause troublesome side effects, alternatives are often recommended first. The main alternative for pain relief is paracetamol, which is available over the counter and is safe for most people to take. NSAID creams and gels that you rub into your skin may be worth trying first if you have muscle or joint pain in a particular part of your body, as they tend to have fewer side effects than tablets or capsules. Your doctor may also be able to recommend different medicines and therapies depending on the health problem you have. For example, physiotherapy may help some people with muscle or joint pain. Page last reviewed: 07 October 2022 Is Tylenol The only NSAID?OTC pain relievers for adults can be divided into two groups: acetaminophen (one brand name: Tylenol) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, for short). NSAIDs include aspirin, ibuprofen (one brand name: Motrin), ketoprofen (brand name: Orudis KT) and naproxen sodium (brand name: Aleve).
Is Tylenol or ibuprofen an NSAID?Acetaminophen is often known as Tylenol or other brand names. It is classified as a pain reliever (analgesic) and fever reducer (antipyretic). Ibuprofen is often known by its given name, but you may also know it as Advil or Motrin. It is classified as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).
Which painkillers are NSAIDs?The main types of NSAIDs include:. ibuprofen.. naproxen.. diclofenac.. celecoxib.. mefenamic acid.. etoricoxib.. indomethacin.. aspirin for pain relief (low-dose aspirin is not normally considered to be an NSAID). Why is Tylenol not NSAID?Tylenol (acetaminophen) is not an anti-inflammatory or NSAID. It relieves minor aches and pains, but doesn't reduce swelling or inflammation. Compared to NSAIDs, Tylenol is less likely to increase blood pressure or cause stomach bleeding. But it can cause liver damage.
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