Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
Side effects of NSAIDs
Like all medications, there's a risk of side effects from NSAIDs. These tend to bemore common if you're taking high doses for a long time, or you're elderly or in poor general health. Over-the-counter NSAIDs generally have fewer side effects than stronger prescription medicines.
Possible side effects of NSAIDs include:
- indigestion including stomach aches , feeling sick and diarrhoea
- stomach ulcers these can cause internal bleeding and anaemia ; extra medication, such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs),maybe prescribed to help reduce this risk
- a hole forming in the wall of your stomach orbowel
- Headaches
- drowsiness
- dizziness
- allergic reactions
- in rare cases,problems withyour liver, kidneys, orheartand circulation, such as heart failure , heart attacks and strokes
If you experience any troublesome side effects, stop taking your medicine and tell your doctor.
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018
Introduction
Read about non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), a widely used medicine for relieving pain, reducing inflammation, and bringing down a high temperature (fever).
Types of NSAIDs
NSAIDs are available as tablets, capsules, suppositories (capsules inserted into the bottom), creams, gels and injections. Some can be bought over the counter from pharmacies,while othersneed a prescr
Who can take NSAIDs?
Most people can take NSAIDs, but some people need to be careful about taking them. It's a good idea to ask a pharmacist or doctor for advice before taking an NSAID if you: are over 65 years of age
Side effects of NSAIDs
Like all medications, there's a risk of side effects from NSAIDs. These tend to bemore common if you're taking high doses for a long time, or you're elderly or in poor general health. Over-the-counter
Interactions with other medicines
Some NSAIDs can react unpredictably with other medications. This can affect how well either medicineworks and increase the risk of side effects. It's particularly important to getmedical advice befor
Food and alcohol
The leaflet that comes with your medicine should say whether you need to avoid any particular foods or drinks. Ask your pharmacist or doctor if you're not sure. For information about a specificmedici
Overdoses of NSAIDs
Taking too much of an NSAID can be dangerous. This is known as taking an overdose. Contact your GP or NHS 111 for advice immediately if you take too much of your medicine and you experience problems
Alternatives to NSAIDs
As NSAIDs can cause troublesome side effects, alternatives are often recommended first. The main alternative for pain relief is paracetamol , which is available over the counter and is safe for most
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