NSAID stands for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. These forms of medications are available as both prescription-level drugs and over-the-counter medicines. They are used to decrease inflammation in a person suffering from either a chronic illness, acute injury or a simple headache. They primarily are used at the prescription level for various forms of arthritis. According to RxList.com, this group of medication works by influencing the reduction of the production of prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are chemicals within the body that create pain, fever and inflammation. They are useful in the protection of the stomach lining and in the promotion of blood clotting.
Aspirin
The word "aspirin" has become the common name for this medicine, but the actual generic name is acetylsalicylic acid. Aspirin was its first brand name and it was one of the first NSAIDs on the market. It is sold primarily as an over-the-counter drug, but it may be combined with other medications, including narcotic analgesics, in prescription-level pain killers. Acetylsalicylic acid may cause such common nonserious side effects as headaches, drowsiness, stomach upset and heartburn, Drugs.com reports.
Ibuprofen
The drug generically named ibuprofen is sold within the United States under many brand names, the most common of which are Advil, Motrin and Midol. This NSAID, too, is available in prescription and over-the-counter strengths and commonly is used for osteoarthritis, juvenile and rheumatoid arthritis pain and inflammation symptoms that range from mild to moderate. Ibuprofen may cause some common serious side effects. These may include diarrhea, skin paleness, pain in the abdomen, nausea and breathing problems, as well as fatigue and many others. Any of these side effects should be reported to a physician immediately, the Mayo Clinic recommends.
Naproxen Sodium
The drug generically named naproxen sodium is marketed within the United States under the brand names of Aleve, Anaprox and Naprosyn. It is sold over the counter and, in greater strengths, by prescription. It works much the same way ibuprofen does and has some of the same serious common side effects associated with it, including breathing difficulties, headaches, edema and wheezing.
Celecoxib
The drug generically named celecoxib is marketed within the Unites States under the brand name Celebrex. According to Health.org, it is considered a common NSAID, but is not yet sold over the counter, but by a doctor's prescription. It is a high gastric irritant and has a high risk of causing a stroke in a person taking it long-term, the organization states. It primarily is prescribed for arthritis and other conditions that cause pain and swelling because of inflammation. The most common serious side effects of this medicine are similar to those of the flu, including throat soreness, sneezing, a fever and a cough.
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