Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs
                     NONSTEROIDAL 
ANTI-
INFLAMMATORY 
DRUGS
INTRODUCTION
When your back hurts, head aches, 
arthritis acts up or you’re feeling feverish, 
chances are you’ll be reaching for an 
NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory 
drug) for relief.
Source: my.clevelandclinic.org
ABOUT NSAID
You take an NSAID every time you 
consume an aspirin. These drugs are 
common pain and fever relievers. Every 
day millions of people choose an NSAID to 
help them relieve headache, body aches, 
swelling, stiffness and fever.
Source: my.clevelandclinic.org
MOST COMMON 
NSAIDS
1. Aspirin 
2. Ibuprofen 
3. Naproxen sodium
Source: my.clevelandclinic.org
WHERE CAN YOU 
GET NSAIDS
You can get non-prescription strength, over-
the-counter NSAIDs in drug stores and 
supermarkets, where you can also buy less 
expensive generic (not brand name) aspirin, 
ibuprofen and naproxen sodium.
Source: my.clevelandclinic.org
WHAT DO YOU USE 
NSAIDS FOR?
Pain of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), 
osteoarthritis and tendonitis
Muscle aches
Backaches
Dental pain
Pain caused by gout
Bursitis
Menstrual cramps
Source: my.clevelandclinic.org
HOW DO NSAIDS 
WORK?
NSAIDs block the production of certain body 
chemicals that cause inflammation. NSAIDs 
are good at treating pain caused by slow 
tissue damage, such as arthritis pain. 
NSAIDs also work well fighting back pain, 
menstrual cramps and headaches.
Source: my.clevelandclinic.org
HOW LONG SHOULD 
YOU USE AN OVER-
THE-COUNTER 
NSAID?
Don’t use an over-the-counter NSAID 
continuously for more than three days for 
fever, and 10 days for pain, unless your 
doctor says it’s okay. Over-the-counter 
NSAIDs work well in relieving pain, but 
they’re meant for short-term use.
Source: my.clevelandclinic.org
HOW LONG DO 
NSAIDS TAKE TO 
WORK?
That depends on the NSAID and the 
condition being treated. Some NSAIDs may 
work within a few hours, while others may 
take a week or two.
Source: my.clevelandclinic.org
HOW ARE NSAIDS 
PRESCRIBED?
NSAIDs are prescribed in different doses, 
depending on the condition. These drugs 
may need to be taken from one to four times 
a day. Don’t increase the dose without 
asking your doctor first.
Source: my.clevelandclinic.org
WHEN ARE 
STRONGER NSAIDS 
PRESCRIBED?
Prescription-strength NSAIDs are often 
recommended for rheumatologic diseases, 
including rheumatoid arthritis and 
moderate-to-severe osteoarthritis. These 
NSAIDs are also prescribed for moderately 
painful musculoskeletal conditions such as 
back pain.
Source: my.clevelandclinic.org