Treatments for inflammation and pain

NSAIDs (Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) are a type of pain relief medication that are used for pain from muscle injuries, gout, arthritis, headache, dental pain and period pain.

Many NSAIDs can be bought from your pharmacy without a prescription (eg Nurofen and Sonaflam).
Some pain medicines contain both a NSAID and paracetamol (eg Maxigesic).
NSAIDs are usually available as tablets or capsules, but some are available as syrups or gels.

Aspirin is also an NSAID, but it is mainly prescribed in low doses to help to keep the blood from clotting in certain people (such as people with a history of heart attacks).



NSAIDs – how to choose?

While most people will find any NSAID helpful, some people may find that one NSAID works better than another for them. Some NSAIDs need to be taken more often than others.

All NSAIDs are associated with side effects, such as stomach irritation, but some NSAIDs have fewer side effects and may be preferred to others.

NSAIDs are generally safe to use by most people when used in low doses for short term pain relief. But because many people take NSAIDs daily for months or years to relieve chronic pain (such as arthritis), it is especially important to watch out for side effects. 

Risks of NSAIDs

While it is usually safe to take anti-inflammatories for a short time to reduce inflammation and pain, they may not be suitable for some people and taking them does come with some risks. 

• Stomach - NSAIDs can sometimes affect the stomach and cause stomach problems. These can occur in anybody taking NSAIDs, but you are more likely to have them if you have had stomach ulcers before, take NSAIDs regularly and take higher doses of NSAIDs, are 60 years or older, drink alcohol often, smoke, or are taking some other medicines that may affect the stomach. It is best to take NSAIDs with food.

• Heart - All NSAIDs, except aspirin in low doses, can increase the chance of heart attack or stroke. The risk may be greater if you have heart disease or you have risk factors for heart disease. Heart problems caused by NSAIDs can happen within the first weeks of starting them. 

• Kidneys - All NSAIDs affect the way your kidneys work. You're more likely to have kidney problems with NSAIDs if you are dehydrated, are 60 years or older, already have problems with your kidneys and are taking other medicines that also affect your kidneys.

• Blood pressure - NSAIDs can raise blood pressure in some people. Some people with high blood pressure (hypertension) may have to stop taking NSAIDs, if they notice that their blood pressure increases even if they are taking their blood pressure medications and following their diet.

• Asthma - NSAIDs can cause symptoms of asthma to worsen such as cough, wheezing, shortness of breath. 

• Pregnancy - NSAIDs may increase the risk of miscarriage if used in early pregnancy. NSAIDs should also be avoided during the third trimester because they may affect the large blood vessels of the developing baby. It is generally recommended to avoid the use of NSAIDs during pregnancy unless the benefit justifies the risk.