Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are medications that relieve or reduce pain, inflammation, and fever. They are widely used to treat a variety of conditions, including arthritis, muscle pain, menstrual cramps, headaches, and toothaches. NSAIDs work by blocking the production of certain chemicals in the body that cause inflammation and pain.

NSAIDs are available in various forms, including tablets, capsules, suppositories, creams, gels, and injections. Some NSAIDs can be bought over the counter from pharmacies, while others require a prescription. The most common types of NSAIDs include ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac, celecoxib, mefenamic acid, etoricoxib, indomethacin, and aspirin (low-dose aspirin is not normally considered to be an NSAID).

While NSAIDs are effective in relieving pain, fever, and inflammation, they can cause unwanted side effects. Common side effects of NSAIDs include indigestion, stomach upset, stomach pain, ulcers, and bleeding in the stomach and other parts of the gastrointestinal tract. NSAIDs can also cause kidney failure when combined with certain medications. Therefore, it is important to ask a pharmacist or doctor for advice before taking an NSAID, especially if you are over 65 years of age, pregnant or trying for a baby, breastfeeding, have asthma, have had ...