One type of arthritis pain relievers are NSAIDs -- nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. These are drugs that reduce inflammation and relieve pain. Inflammation is the body's response to irritation or injury, and is characterized by redness, warmth, swelling, and pain. NSAIDs are used to treat a variety of conditions that cause inflammation, including arthritis and tendinitis. NSAIDs are also used to treat pain from injury or other causes of long-term pain.

Over-the-Counter Anti-Inflammatory Drugs

NSAIDS that can be purchased over-the-counter include:

BRAND NAME	GENERIC NAME
Advil, Nuprin, Motrin	ibuprofen
Aleve	naproxen sodium
Ascriptin, Bayer, Ecotrin	aspirin
Orudis KT	ketoprofen

Prescription Anti-Inflammatory Drugs

The following NSAIDS can only be gotten with a doctor's prescription:

BRAND NAME	GENERIC NAME
Anaprox	naproxen sodium
Celebrex*	celecoxib
Clinoril	sulindac
Daypro	oxaprozin
Disalcid	salsalate
Feldene	piroxicam
Indocin	indomethacin
Lodine	etodolac
Mobic	meloxicam
Naprelan	naproxen sodium
Naprosyn	naproxen
Orudis	ketoprofen
Relafen	nabumetone
Toradol	ketorolac tromethamine

* The Cox-2 inhibitor Celebrex is a newer form of NSAID that also relieves inflammation. It is less likely to result in unwanted side effects that can occur with older types of NSAIDs, especially stomach bleeding. While Celebrex is generally safer in this regard, there is still some risk to the stomach.

Celebrex and all NSAIDs must carry a warning on the label that users may face an increased risk of cardiovascular side effects, such as heart attack, as well as gastrointestinal bleeding.

How Do NSAIDs Work?

NSAIDs work by blocking the production of certain chemicals in the body that cause inflammation.

Do All NSAIDs Work the Same Way?

There appears to be no fundamental difference in the ability of different NSAIDs to reduce pain and inflammation. However, you might find that you get more relief from one NSAID over another and some NSAIDs may have fewer side effects than others. Some NSAIDs also may be more convenient for people, since they only need be taken once or twice a day.

< Previous Page

1 | 2 | 3

Next Page >