What Are NSAIDs?

Definition: NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) are a large class of drugs used to treat arthritis. NSAIDs help combat arthritis pain by interfering with the inflammatory process.

• The Facts of NSAIDs

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