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What Are NSAIDs?

By , About.com Guide

Updated March 01, 2013

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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.

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:

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.

Also Known As: nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, nonsteroidal pain medications, nonsteroidal pain relievers
Common Misspellings: NSIADs
Examples:
The doctor prescribed NSAIDs to treat my arthritis.

Sources:

Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory 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.

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