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Support groupsFrom other websitesContent disclaimerContent on this website is provided for information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not in any way endorse or support such therapy, service, product or treatment and is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional. The information and materials contained on this website are not intended to constitute a comprehensive guide concerning all aspects of the therapy, product or treatment described on the website. All users are urged to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions and to ascertain whether the particular therapy, service, product or treatment described on the website is suitable in their circumstances. The State of Victoria and the Department of Health shall not bear any liability for reliance by any user on the materials contained on this website. 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. 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 What is the strongest prescription antiWhat is the strongest anti-inflammatory medication? Research shows diclofenac is the strongest and most effective non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicine available. 10 Diclofenec is sold under the prescription brand names Cambia, Cataflam, Zipsor, and Zorvolex.
What can doctor prescribe for inflammation?Celecoxib (Celebrex). Diclofenac (Voltaren). Fenoprofen (Nalfon). Flurbiprofen (Ocufen). Indomethacin (Indocin). Ketorolac (Toradol). Mefenamic acid (Ponstel). Meloxicam (Mobic). What is prescribed for chronic inflammation?Corticosteroids, such as cortisol, are a type of steroid hormone. They affect various mechanisms involved in inflammation. Corticosteroids can help manage a range of conditions, including: arthritis.
What are the most popular antiSome commonly used NSAIDs include:. aspirin (such as Disprin). ibuprofen (such as Nurofen). naproxen (such as Naprosyn). diclofenac (such as Voltaren). celecoxib (such as Celebrex).. |