NSAID

(noun)

Any drug of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory class used as a pain reliever.

Related Terms

Examples of NSAID in the following topics:

  • Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs

    • NSAIDs prevent the release of prostaglandins that promotes inflammation and fever in the body.
    • Depending on the NSAID, the inhibition of the COX enzymes varies.
    • The types of side effects can vary with the person and the type of NSAID.
    • Other dangers of NSAIDs are exacerbating asthma and causing kidney damage.
    • Describe the contra-indications of NSAID use in terms of the endocrine system

  • Peptic Ulcer Disease

    • Ulcers can also be caused or worsened by drugs such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and other NSAIDs.
    • Another major cause is the use of NSAIDs.
    • NSAIDs block the function of cyclooxygenase 1 (cox-1), which is essential for the production of these prostaglandins.
    • Patients who are taking NSAIDs may also be prescribed a prostaglandin analogue in order to help prevent peptic ulcers by replacing the prostaglandins whose formation is blocked by NSAID use.

  • Analgesia: Relief from Pain

    • Examples of analgesics include paracetamol (known in the U.S. as acetaminophen), the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as the salicylates, and opioid drugs such as morphine.
    • Analgesic drugs act in various ways on the peripheral and central nervous systems; they include paracetamol (para-acetylaminophenol, also known in the U.S. as acetaminophen), the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as the salicylates (such as aspirin, shown in ), and opioid drugs such as morphine and opium.
    • Aspirin and the other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) inhibit cyclooxygenases, leading to a decrease in prostaglandin production.
    • NSAIDs predispose to peptic ulcers, renal failure, allergic reactions, and occasionally hearing loss, and they can increase the risk of hemorrhage by affecting platelet function.

  • Sprain and Strain

    • However, NSAIDs, including aspirin and ibuprofen, affect platelet function (this is why they are known as "blood thinners") and should not be taken during the period when tissue is bleeding because they will tend to increase blood flow and inhibit clotting.
    • After the bleeding has stopped, NSAIDs can be used with some effectiveness to reduce inflammation and pain.

  • Aspirin and Thrombolytic Agents

    • Aspirin is part of a group of medications called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), but differs in mechanism of action.
    • Though aspirin and other salicylates have similar effects (antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic) to other NSAIDs, inhibiting the same enzyme cyclooxygenase, only aspirin does so in an irreversible manner and, aslo unlike other salicylates, affects the COX-1 variant more than the COX-2 variant of the enzyme.

  • Herniated (Slipped) Disc

    • Initial treatment usually consists of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory pain medication (NSAIDs), but the long-term use of NSAIDs for patients with persistent back pain is complicated by their possible cardiovascular and gastrointestinal toxicity.

  • Tenosynovitis

    • Mild tenosynovitis causing small scale swelling can be treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) such as Naproxen, ibuprofen, or diclofenac (marketed as Voltaren and other trade names), taken to reduce inflammation and as an analgesic.

  • Eicosanoids

    • Anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin and other NSAIDs act by downregulating eicosanoid synthesis, preventing local and systemic inflammation.

  • Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

    • Potent NSAIDs such as indomethacin and diclofenac are relatively contraindicated for patients with SLE because they increase the risk of kidney failure and heart failure.

  • Impingement Syndrome

    • NSAID's and ice packs may be used for pain relief.