Let us take a look at medications known as Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs NSAIDs like Celecoxib, including its uses, side effects, and precautions to be followed. We will also go over Celecoxib, a very popular painkiller medication to give you an example on Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs).

What are NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)?

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are medications used to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and reduce body temperature during fever. These drugs are also used to treat headaches, spra ins, cold, strain, painful periods, flu, and relieve symptoms of different types of arthritis.

Aspirin is an NSAID used in low doses to reduce the risk of heart attack or a stroke caused by a blood clot. NSAIDs are amongst the most widely prescribed drugs in the world. Few of them are available as over-the-counter drugs, and the rest are available by prescription. 

Celecoxib is a popular painkiller NSAIDs medication

Celecoxib belongs to the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory class of medication. It is used to treat the pain of osteoarthritis (a disease that is caused by the breakdown of the lining of the joints), ankylosing spondylitis (a disease that affects the spine), and rheumatoid arthritis (a disease that affects the lining of the joints). Celecoxib is also used to treat juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (a type of arthritis that affects children) for children aged two years or above. Celecoxib is a painkiller prescribed during dental procedures, injuries, surgeries, medical conditions, and other medical procedures. 

What do Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAID) help treat?

NSAIDs are used to treat the following:

• Fever 
• Headache 
• The pain of rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and tendonitis
• Pain of Gout 
• Menstrual cramps 
• Dental pain
• Muscle aches 
• Backaches 
• Common Cold 
• Flu 
• Reduce heart attack or a stroke caused by a blood clot (Aspirin)
• Pain caused by injuries, surgeries, and other medical procedures 

How do Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAID) work?

NSAIDs work by blocking the action of certain chemicals that are associated with inflammation and pain. They block cyclooxygenases (COX) enzyme, and there are two forms of COX enzyme: 

• COX-1 (protects the stomach lining and aids kidney function)
• COX-2 (produced when joints are inflamed or injured)

The COX enzymes are esponsible for the production of prostaglandins in the body. Prostaglandins are a group of chemicals associated with inflammation, the formation of blood clots, and blood flow.

Some of the NSAIDs block both forms of COX enzyme. These agents are categorized as nonselective COX inhibitors. On the other hand, some of them block only COX-2 enzymes, called selective COX-2 inhibitors. 

Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAID) medication list

The list of common NSAIDs is as follows: 

1. COX-1 selective inhibitors 

• Ketorolac 
• Aspirin 
• Tolmetin 
• Ketoprofen 
• Flubiprofen 

2. Nonselective inhibitors 

• Ibuprofen 
• Naproxen 

3. COX-2 selective 

• Diclofenac
• Piroxicam 
• Indomethacin 
• Mefenamic acid 
• Sulindac 
• Meloxicam 
• Celecoxib 
• Etodolac 

Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAID) Common side effects & other precautions

Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAID) Common side effects

Like other classes of medications, NSAIDs also may cause some side effects. The side effects are more prominent if you are on high doses for a long time or your overall general health is not good. 

Over-the-counter NSAIDs have fewer side effects as compared to prescription ones. 

Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAID) common side effects include: 

• Stomach ulcers 
• Anemia 
• Headaches 
• Stomach ache 
• Diarrhea 
• Indigestion 
• Allergic reactions 
• Dizziness 

In the very rare case you may experience: 

• Heart problems 
• Circulatory problems 
• Kidney issues 
• Liver problems 
• Heart failure 
• Stroke 
• Heart attack

If you experience persistent side effects, stop taking the medication and consult your healthcare worker immediately. 

Other Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAID) precautions

• NSAIDs can increase the chance of heart attack or stroke. Especially people who have heart disease or risk factors. Also, the risk increases with more prolonged use. Cardiac problems are likely to occur during the initial weeks of the treatment, and the risk increase with an increase of dose or duration
• NSAIDs should be avoided before or after bypass surgery 
• NSAIDs may also increase the chance of getting bowel or stomach side effects (ulcers or bleeding)
• It is usually safe to consume alcohol while taking NSAIDs, but overconsumption of alcohol may irritate your stomach 
• If you are in the third trimester, you should not consume NSAIDs. You should consult your physician first
• You should avoid taking NSAIDs before surgery unless advised by a physician or dentist
• If you have Asthma, you should inform your physician about the same
• Children with viral infections should not be administered aspirin or aspirin-containing medications 
• Any known history of allergy with any medications or food should be informed to your healthcare professional 
• Inform your health worker about other prescription, non-prescription medications, and nutritional supplements that you are taking. Also, inform about vitamins and herbal supplements you are taking or planning to take

Now you know more than just a little about Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (Nsaid) Painkillers Uses, Side Effects & Precautions

Remember medications known as Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs NSAIDs like Celecoxib, including its uses, side effects, and precautions are to be kept in mind as they are very helpful medications to reduce pain but must be managed with care. We will also covered Celecoxib, a very popular painkiller medication to give you an example on Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs).

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