According to Consumer Reports, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are the drugs most frequently used to treat mild to moderate pain caused by medical conditions such as arthritis, headaches, menstrual cramps, back pain and minor injuries. NSAIDs are also used to relieve fever and inflammation and are available over the counter and as prescriptions.
Motrin
Motrin, which is ibuprofen, is an NSAID that is available over the counter to treat mild to moderate pain, fever and inflammation. Drugs.com states that common side effects of Motrin include tinnitus, headache, abdominal pain and heartburn. Motrin and other NSAIDs inhibit blood clotting, leading to possible stomach ulcers and gastrointestinal bleeding. Patients should be aware of signs of gastrointestinal bleeding such as abdominal pain; black, tarry stool; weakness and dizziness when standing. Patients should avoid alcohol while taking Motrin. Alcohol increases the risks of gastrointestinal bleeding caused by Motrin. Patients with stomach ulcers and blood-clotting disorders should first consult the doctor before taking Motrin.
Celebrex
Celebrex, generic name celecoxib, is available as a prescription to treat mild to moderate pain, fever and inflammation. Celebrex does not interfere with blood clotting and causes fewer chances of stomach ulcers and gastrointestinal bleeding than other NSAIDs. Drugs.com states that common side effects of Celebrex include headache, abdominal pain, heartburn, nausea and diarrhea. The most serious side effects of Celebrex are stomach ulcers and bleeding. Patients should not drink alcohol while taking Celebrex. Alcohol increases the risk of stomach bleeding caused by Celebrex. Patients with peptic ulcers and bleeding disorders should not take Celebrex.
Toradol
According to Drugs.com, Toradol, generic name ketorolac, is an NSAID used for short-term treatment of moderate to severe pain, usually after surgery. Toradol is only available by prescription and is usually taken for five days or less. Common side effects of Toradol include nausea, heartburn, abdominal pain, ulcers, nausea and tinnitus. Toradol is more effective than other NSAIDs in reducing pain but causes serious side effects such as ulcers and stomach bleeding at a faster rate. Patients may experience abdominal pain; black, tarry stool; weakness and dizziness while standing if they are experiencing active stomach bleeding. Patients should not use alcohol while taking Toradol because the combination causes increased likelihood of stomach bleeding. Patients with stomach ulcers and bleeding disorders should not use Toradol.
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