Painkillers - Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAID’s)
Aspirin . Ibuprofen . Diclofenac . Celebrex . Naproxen . Ketoprofen . Meloxicam
Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs work in two ways: they reduce the sensation of pain and they reduce the inflammation that often accompanies and worsens pain. NSAIDs, pronounced (en-saids) do this by reducing the production of hormone-like substances called prostaglandins.
These prostaglandins have different functions such as sensitizing pain receptors to mechanical and chemical stimulation, as well as causing blood vessels to dilate.
Most NSAIDs reduce production of these prostaglandins by blocking certain enzymes needed to form them. These enzymes are known as: Cyclooxygenase 1 or 2, or COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes.
Prostaglandins which are formed through COX-2 enzymes are released in response to an injury such as a burn, break or sprain or by the invasion of a micro-organism. The result is an inflammatory response, which is a protective response. Inflammation brings about an increase in blood supply to the injured area which in turn brings in fluid, white blood cells and many other cells which seal the area, fight infection and replace damaged cells with new ones.
Prostaglandins which are formed by COX-1 enzymes help protect the digestive tract and stomach from acid and play a crucial role in blood clotting.
All NSAIDs reduce the production of these prostaglandins and consequently may irritate the stomach lining causing pain and discomfort. In addition to this peptic ulcers can form in the stomach and bowel causing more upset, further more, bleeding from these ulcers or elsewhere may be difficult to stop due to the affect on blood clotting. Other problems which may occur and are perhaps more common with NSAIDs are: Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhoea.
Adverse effectsassociated with NSAIDs become more likely as the cumulative amount of NSAID increases, relating both to the size of each dose you take, as well as how frequently they are taken, how many times a day, how many days a week?
The most important ground rule, however, is to follow the instructions on your medication. No medication, whether a prescription or over-the-counter drug should be taken more frequently than is directed in the labelling.
