NSAIDs DRUGS

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

DEFINITION :-

SIMPLY WE CAN DEFINE THOSE DRUGS WHICH WE CAN USED FOR PAIN KILLER OR INFLAMMATION.

drugs, also known as NAIDs, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory
agents/analgesics (NSAIAs) or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines(NSAIMs). They are medications with analgesic (pain reducing), antipyretic (fever reducing) effects. In higher doses they also have anti-inflammatory effects – they reduceinflammation (swelling). Non-steroidaldistinguishes NSAIDs from other drugs which contain steroids, which are also anti-inflammatory. NSAIDs are non-narcotic (they do not induce stupor). 

The most common NSAIDs are aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen – probably because they are available over-the-counter (OTC, no prescription required). 

NSAIDs can be used for a number of conditions. While some OTC medications, others can only be accessed with a prescription. Typically, NSAIDs are used to treat the following symptoms and conditions:

• Pain and discomfort – for example muscle strain/sprain, headaches, migraines, and dysmenorrhea (painful cramps during menstruation).
  
• Fever – NSAIDs are effective at reducing body temperature.
  
• Inflammation – NSAIDs are often used for the treatment of inflammation, as may occur inrheumatoid arthritis.
  



• Some other conditions – sometimes NSAIDs are recommended for the treatment of menorrhagia (heavy menstrual periods).

NSAIDs may be taken:

• Orally (by mouth) – available in tablet, capsule or liquid form.
• Intravenously – by injection
• Rectally – as a suppository through the rectum
• They are also available as eye-drops
• Topical NSAIDs also exist, which are applied directly onto the skin in the form of creams or gels.

    Types
  of    NSAIDS

NSAIDs are based on their chemical structure:

• Propionic acid derivatives – Examples include: Ibuprofen, Naproxen, Fenoprofen, Ketoprofen, Flurbiprofen, Oxaprozin
  
• Acetic acid derivatives – Examples include: Indomethacin, Sulindac, Etodolac, Diclofenac (Safety alert by FDA)
  
• Enolic acid (Oxicam) derivatives – Examples include: Piroxicam, Meloxicam, Tenoxicam, Droxicam, Lornoxicam, Isoxicam
  
• Fenamic acid derivatives – Examples include: Mefenamic acid, Meclofenamic acid, Flufenamic acid, Tolfenamic acid
  
• Selective COX-2 inhibitors (Coxibs) – Examples include: Celecoxib (FDA alert), Rofecoxib (withdrawn from market), Valdecoxib (withdrawn from market), Parecoxib (FDA withdrawn), Lumiracoxib (TGA cancelled registration), Etoricoxib (FDA withdrawn)