NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) are medications that reduce inflammation, pain, and fever. They work by stopping the body from producing certain chemicals that cause inflammation. NSAIDs are widely used to treat a wide range of symptoms, from headaches and dental pain to arthritis and muscle stiffness. Some of the most common over-the-counter NSAIDs include aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen sodium. Healthcare providers can also prescribe stronger NSAIDs when appropriate. NSAIDs are available in several forms, including tablets, capsules, suppositories, creams, gels, and injections.

While NSAIDs are effective for relieving symptoms, they don’t help the body heal, and research suggests that these medications can actually slow the body’s natural healing process. NSAIDs can cause unwanted side effects, such as gastrointestinal side effects like indigestion, stomach upset, or stomach pain, and ulcers and bleeding in the stomach and other parts of the gastrointestinal tract. Other common side effects of NSAIDs include kidney failure when they are combined with ACE inhibitors, which are medicines used to treat heart problems and high blood pressure.

Most people can take NSAIDs, but some people need to be careful about taking them. Its a good idea to ask a pharmacist or doctor for advice before taking an NSAID if you are over 65 years of age, pregnant or trying for a baby, breastfeeding, have asthma, have had an allergic reaction to NSAIDs in the past, have had stomach ulcers in the past, have any problems with your heart, liver, kidneys, blood pressure, circulation or bowels, are taking other medicines, or are looking for medicine for a child under 16.