Anti-Inflammatory Medicines

What are anti-inflammatory medicines?

Anti-inflammatory medicines are drugs used to reduce pain and inflammation. Inflammation is the redness, heat, swelling, and increased blood flow caused by infection, disease, or injury. There are 2 main kinds of anti-inflammatory medicines: nonsteroidal and steroidal.

How do they work?

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) cause your body to make less of a chemical called prostaglandin. Having less prostaglandin in your body helps reduce pain and swelling. Aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen are NSAIDs that you may buy with or without a prescription. A type of NSAIDS called COX-2 inhibitors, such as celecoxib (Celebrex), are prescription NSAIDs.

Steroid medicines are similar to hormones. They have a stronger effect than NSAIDs. They come in different forms, such as pills, shots, or eyedrops. Examples of steroidal medicines are cortisone and prednisone.

When are they used?

Anti-inflammatory medicines are taken for many kinds of problems that cause inflammation and pain, such as:

injuries
arthritis
flu
headaches
menstrual cramps.

What should I watch out for while taking these medicines?

Possible side effects of NSAIDS are:

upset stomach
stomach bleeding or ulcers
high blood pressure
dizziness or ringing in the ears
rash
kidney problems.

Some COX-2 inhibitors have been linked to a greater risk of heart attacks and stroke. If you are taking this type of NSAID, talk to your health care provider about this.

Long-term use of a steroidal medicine can have more serious side effects. They include:

loss of bone leading to osteoporosis
eye problems such as cataracts or glaucoma
problems fighting infection
mood changes
high blood pressure
increased blood sugar and diabetes.

Take these medicines exactly as your health care provider prescribes. Do not take more or less or take them longer than prescribed. Do not suddenly stop taking steroidal medicines without your provider's approval. You may have to reduce your dosage gradually.

You should not take NSAIDs if you have been diagnosed with asthma, ulcer disease, or a bleeding disorder. Taking NSAIDs increases your risk of bleeding. You may need to stop taking these medicines before surgery or dental work.

Remember your provider needs to know if you take any anti-inflammatory drugs. They can cause serious side effects and may interact with other medicines you are taking.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

HIA File MED4255F.HTM Release 9.0/2006