Types of medicine
What Is an NSAID? Ibuprofen and Similar Medicines Explained
NSAID · say it: EN-sedAlso written: non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory, NSAIDs, anti-inflammatory painkiller
Short answer
An NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) is a pain and swelling medicine such as ibuprofen, naproxen or aspirin.
What it means
NSAID stands for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. These medicines reduce pain, fever and inflammation by blocking enzymes called COX that make prostaglandins. Common examples are ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac and aspirin. Many are sold over the counter.
NSAID labels warn about stomach bleeding and ulcers, and many carry warnings about a higher risk of heart attack and stroke, especially at higher doses or with long use. They can also affect the kidneys and raise blood pressure. That is why labels say to use the lowest dose for the shortest time and to ask a doctor first if you are older, take a blood thinner, have had a stomach ulcer, or have heart, kidney or blood pressure problems.
NSAIDs are different from paracetamol (acetaminophen), which eases pain and fever but is not an anti-inflammatory and has different risks. 'Non-steroidal' means they are not corticosteroids.
Where you may see it
- Over-the-counter pain relief 'Stomach bleeding warning'
- Boxed warnings on prescription NSAID labels
- Leaflets under 'Ask a doctor before use if'
📄 How it looks on a report
Stomach bleeding warning: This product contains an NSAID, which may cause severe stomach bleeding.
🙅 What it does not mean
- Over the counter does not mean free of risk; follow the label.
- It does not mean you will get stomach bleeding; it means the risk is higher in certain people.
- Taking two NSAIDs together does not give better relief and adds to the risk.
🎯 Check yourself
Which of these is the right meaning of “NSAID”?
🗒️ Questions to ask your doctor
💊 Medicines whose labels mention “NSAID”
Plain-English explanations of each medicine, from its official FDA label.
- Alendronate
a bisphosphonate, a medicine that slows the breakdown of bone by blocking cells called osteoclasts
- Apixaban
A factor Xa inhibitor, a blood thinner medicine (anticoagulant)
- Aspirin
a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and a platelet aggregation inhibitor
- Citalopram
a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), a type of antidepressant medicine
- Clopidogrel
A platelet inhibitor of the P2Y12 type (a thienopyridine). It is a blood thinner that keeps platelets from sticking together.
- Diclofenac Sodium
A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). The FDA class is not listed on the label.
- Duloxetine
A serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) type of antidepressant medicine
- Enalapril
An angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor
- Escitalopram
a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), a type of antidepressant
- Fluoxetine
a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), a type of antidepressant medicine
🔗 Read more from trusted sources
- “NSAID” on MedlinePlus ↗
US National Library of Medicine
- NCI Dictionary definition ↗
US National Cancer Institute: “nsaid”
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