Definition: NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) are a large class of drugs used to treat arthritis. One of the NSAIDs is usually included in the medication regimen of an arthritis patient. NSAIDs help combat arthritis pain by interfering with the
inflammatory process.The Facts of NSAIDsThere are 3 types of NSAIDs:
Salicylates (both acetylated, such as aspirin and nonacetylated)
Traditional NSAIDs
COX-2 Selective Inhibitors
NSAIDs work by blocking the activity of the enzyme, cyclooxygenase, also known as COX. Research has revealed that there are two forms, known as COX-1 and COX-2. NSAIDs affect both forms. COX-1 is involved in maintaining healthy tissue.
COX-2 is involved in the inflammation pathway. COX-2 Selective Inhibitors became a subset of NSAIDs born of this research.
Traditional NSAIDs include:
Ansaid (Flurbiprofen)
Arthrotec (Diclofenac/Misoprostol)
Cataflam (Diclofenac Potassium)
Clinoril (Sulindac)
Daypro (Oxaprozin)
Dolobid (Diflunisal)
Feldene (Piroxicam)
Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil)
Indocin (Indomethacin)
Ketoprofen (Orudis)
Lodine (Etodolac)
Meclomen (Meclofenamate)
Mobic (Meloxicam)
Nalfon (Fenoprofen)
Naproxen (Naprosyn, Aleve)
Ponstel (Mefanamic Acid)
Relafen (Nabumetone)
Tolectin (Tolmetin)
Voltaren (Dicolfenac Sodium)
COX-2 Inhibitors include:
Celebrex (Celecoxib)
Vioxx (Rofecoxib)(no longer on market)
Bextra (Valdecoxib)(no longer on market)
In April 2005, The FDA announced actions regarding the marketing of NSAIDs.
FDA Announces Changes For All NSAIDs
Also Known As: nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, nonsteroidal pain medications, nonsteroidal pain relievers
Common Misspellings: NSIADs
Examples:
The doctor prescribed one of the NSAIDs to treat my arthritis.
Sources: Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), Omudhome Ogbru, Pharm.D., Jay W. Marks, M.D., MedicineNet, 9/18/2005; Questions and Answers: FDA Regulatory Actions for the COX-2 Selective and Non-Selective Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), FDA/Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, April 7, 2005
