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medications health center/medications a-z list/what is the safest anti
inflammatory to take article


WHAT IS THE SAFEST ANTI-INFLAMMATORY TO TAKE?

 * Medical Reviewer: Jabeen Begum, MD

Disease and Condition: Pain Management
 * What Is
   * What are anti-inflammatory medications?
 * Dosing and Duration
   * Dosing and duration
 * Allergic Reactions
   * Allergic reactions to NSAIDs
 * Stomach Issues
   * NSAIDs and stomach issues
 * Heart Disease and Stroke Risk
   * NSAIDs and heart disease and stroke risk
 * Kidney Disease
   * NSAIDs and kidney disease
 * Pregnancy
   * NSAIDs and pregnancy
 * Alternative Treatments
   * Alternative treatments
 * Comments
   **COMMENTSTAGLIST**
   
 * More
   **OTHERTAGLIST**
   




Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs are some of the most commonly
used medicines available. Experts say that taking NSAIDs for a short time at the
lowest effective dose is generally safe.

If you have ever had a headache or pulled a muscle, you have probably headed to
the medicine cabinet to reach for a pain killer. Over-the-counter pain medicines
are affordable and safe for most people in the United States. They are so common
that many people don't think twice about taking them to manage discomfort.

The most common pain medications are a class of drugs known as non-steroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).  Like all medications, NSAIDs have risks,
including stomach problems, allergic reactions, and an increased risk of heart
attack. Your risk of complications from pain killers might increase depending on
your age, what other medications you're taking, and your health in general. 

Learn more about whether anti-inflammatory pain relievers are safe for you.


WHAT ARE ANTI-INFLAMMATORY MEDICATIONS?



Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs are some of the most commonly
used medicines available. This class of medications includes:

 * Aspirin (full dose)
 * Celecoxib (used in Celebrex)
 * Diclofenac (used in Votaren)
 * Ibuprofen (used in Advil or Motrin)
 * Naproxen (used in Aleve)

Ibuprofen and naproxen are all available over the counter. Higher doses of
ibuprofen and naproxen are available with a prescription. Celecoxib and
diclofenac are only available with a prescription.

Aspirin is only considered an NSAID when taken at full dosage. Your doctor may
recommend low-dose aspirin to reduce your risk of a heart attack. In the lower
dose, aspirin doesn't pose the same health risk as full-strength NSAIDs.

These medicines are effective at dulling pain, reducing inflammation, and
reducing fevers. When used moderately, they are generally considered safe.
However, like any medication, they have potential risks.


DOSING AND DURATION



Experts say that taking NSAIDs for a short time at the lowest effective dose is
generally safe. If you have an injury or a fever, it is probably safe to take an
over-the-counter NSAID to relieve symptoms. However, you should not exceed the
recommended dose, and you should be cautious about how long you take pain
medicine. Ask your doctor about the maximum daily amount you should take and how
many days in a row it's safe to do so. 

If you have long-term or chronic pain, talk to your doctor about whether NSAIDs
are the best choice for treating you. There may be other options that would work
better. 


ALLERGIC REACTIONS TO NSAIDS



Some people have rare but serious reactions to NSAIDs. Symptoms of an allergic
reaction to NSAIDs can include:

 * Hives
 * Itching
 * Swelling of the lips, tongue, or face
 * Coughing, wheezing, or chest tightness
 * Nasal congestion, or runny nose
 * Red or watery eyes
 * Anaphylaxis

If you have an allergic reaction to an anti-inflammatory medicine, you should
talk to your doctor about it. You should avoid NSAIDs if you have ever had an
allergic reaction to them in the past. 


NSAIDS AND STOMACH ISSUES



The most common complication from NSAIDs is digestive problems. These medicines
can give you minor stomach upset or indigestion. In more severe cases, people
can develop gastritis, ulcers, or bleeding in the stomach or intestines.  

The risk of stomach problems from NSAIDs goes up if you have other conditions or
take certain medications. You may be high risk if you:

 * Are 65 or over
 * Have ever had a stomach ulcer or gastritis
 * Currently have a chronic inflammatory bowel disease
 * Are already taking an NSAID regimen
 * Are taking low-dose aspirin for heart issues
 * Are taking blood thinners, prescription steroids, or SSRI antidepressants.


NSAIDS AND HEART DISEASE AND STROKE RISK



There is evidence that the use of non-aspirin NSAIDs can increase your risk of
heart disease or stroke if you take them for a prolonged period of time. Higher
doses are more likely to cause heart complications. The risk of heart-related
complications from NSAIDs increases if you already have heart disease.


NSAIDS AND KIDNEY DISEASE



If you already have reduced kidney function, you should avoid NSAIDs. The
medications increase the risk that you will develop acute kidney failure. Talk
to your doctor about whether you should take NSAIDs at all. 


NSAIDS AND PREGNANCY



The FDA recommends that you avoid NSAIDs after the 20th week of pregnancy. The
medications can lead to rare but serious kidney problems in the developing
fetus. They can also cause low amounts of amniotic fluid in the womb, which can
lead to pregnancy complications.


ALTERNATIVE TREATMENTS



If your doctor says you shouldn't take NSAIDs, ask what other medications you
can use instead. For some people, acetaminophen (used in Tylenol) is a good
alternative for pain management. Non-medication treatments such as heat or ice
on injuries, physical therapy, or complementary medicine such as acupuncture may
be appropriate. 

If you have a condition that causes chronic pain, discuss your treatment options
with your doctor. Prescription medications such as steroids, muscle relaxants,
or opioids may be options to manage your condition. 

SLIDESHOW

Rheumatoid Arthritis Exercises: Joint-Friendly Workouts See Slideshow

References
SOURCES:

AAP News: "FDA warns pregnant women to avoid NSAIDs after 20 weeks."

Brigham and Women's Aspirin/NSAID Allergy Clinic: "What are NSAID allergies?"

Harvard Health Publishing: "FDA strengthens warning that NSAIDs increase heart
attack and stroke risk." "NSAIDs: How dangerous are they for your heart?"

InformedHealth.org: "Using medication: The safe use of over-the-counter
painkillers."

National Health Service: "NSAIDs."

U.S. Food and Drug Administration: "Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs
(NSAIDs)."


TOP WHAT IS THE SAFEST ANTI INFLAMMATORY TO TAKE RELATED ARTICLES

 * OTC PAIN RELIEVERS AND FEVER REDUCERS
   
   Over-the-counter pain medication and fever reducers include aspirin,
   acetaminophen and nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Side effects,
   drug interactions, warnings and precautions, pregnancy and breastfeeding
   safety, and patient information should be reviewed prior to taking any
   medication.

 * CAPSICUM
   
   The medicinal property of capsicum comes from capsaicin, an oleoresin and the
   active compound in chili peppers. Capsaicin may be taken orally in food,
   lozenges, and other products, and applied on the skin as topical creams and
   lotions, or used as a nasal spray. Capsaicin may be used to treat
   post-herpetic neuralgia, nerve pain from nerve diseases, joint pain due to
   osteoarthritis, minor muscle pains, itching (pruritus), post-mastectomy pain
   syndrome, and others. Common side effects of capsicum include local burning
   sensation, contact dermatitis, bleeding, hives (urticaria) with topical use,
   flushing, sweating, cough, nasal discharge (rhinorrhea), mucous membrane
   irritation, eye irritation, and others.

 * FLURBIPROFEN (ANSAID)
   
   flurbiprofen (Ansaid - discontinued brand) is a medication prescribed for the
   treatment of inflammation and pain caused by osteoarthritis, rheumatoid
   arthritis, soft tissue injuries like bursitis and tendinitis. Side effects,
   drug interactions, dosage, and pregnancy safety information should be
   reviewed prior to taking this medication.

 * IS ASPIRIN AN ANTI-INFLAMMATORY?
   
   Aspirin is an anti-inflammatory drug that falls under a drug class called
   nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Aspirin is used to relieve
   pain and reduce inflammation and fever. In low doses, it can also be used as
   a preventative measure against heart attack and stroke.

 * NONSTEROIDAL ANTI-INFLAMMATORY DRUGS AND ULCERS
   
   Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are prescribed medications for
   the treatment of inflammatory conditions. Examples of NSAIDs include aspirin,
   ibuprofen, naproxen, and more. One common side effect of NSAIDs is peptic
   ulcer (ulcers of the esophagus, stomach, or duodenum). Side effects, drug
   interactions, warnings and precautions, and patient safety information should
   be reviewed prior to taking NSAIDs.

 * NONSTEROIDAL ANTI-INFLAMMATORY DRUGS (NSAIDS)
   
   Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are a class of drugs are used
   to treat inflammation, mild to moderate pain, and fever. Examples of the most
   common NSAIDs include: aspirin salsalate (Amigesic), diflunisal (Dolobid),
   ibuprofen (Motrin), ketoprofen (Orudis), nabumetone (Relafen), piroxicam
   (Feldene), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn,) diclofenac (Voltaren), indomethacin
   (Indocin), sulindac (Clinoril), tolmetin (Tolectin), etodolac (Lodine),
   ketorolac (Toradol), oxaprozin (Daypro), celecoxib (Celebrex).

 * PAIN MANAGEMENT
   
   The goal of pain management for each patient is to minimize suffering and
   improve quality of life. This goal may be different depending on the
   patient’s circumstances and disease or injury.

 * FROZEN SHOULDER
   
   It's got nothing to do with cold weather. It means your shoulder is jammed
   up. WebMD guides you through the causes of frozen shoulder and what you can
   do about it.

 * PAIN MANAGEMENT: SIGNS YOUR MUSCLE PAIN IS SOMETHING ELSE
   
   Could your achy muscles be a sign of more than a tough workout? Learn when a
   twinge might warrant a visit to the doctor's office.

 * PAIN MANAGEMENT: SURPRISING CAUSES OF PAIN
   
   What's causing your pain? Learn the common causes of lower back pain, as well
   as pain in the knee, stomach, kidney, shoulder, chest, gallbladder, heel,
   sciatic nerve, neck, hip, foot and other parts of the body. Find pain
   management tips that work to help lower pain triggers, as well as other pain
   treatments.

 * PENNSAID (DICLOFENAC SODIUM)
   
   Pennsaid (diclofenac sodium) is a topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory
   drug (NSAID) used to treat the symptoms of Acute Pain, Arthritis Pain,
   Actinic Keratosis, and Osteoarthritis. Serious side effects of Pennsaid
   include risk of serious cardiovascular (heart attack, stroke) and
   gastrointestinal events (bleeding, ulceration, and perforation of the stomach
   or intestines), which can be fatal.

 * 15 WAYS TO REDUCE PAIN
   
   Chronic pain can be a symptom of many conditions, including arthritis,
   headaches, and others. Comprehensive chronic pain management therapy may
   include physical therapy, lifestyle strategies such as exercise, diet
   changes, meditation, journaling, medications, and avoiding alcohol and
   tobacco use. Make helpful changes to manage your chronic condition.






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