Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, also known as NSAIDs, work to decrease inflammation. They function by decreasing prostaglandins in the human body that affect fever, inflammation and pain. NSAIDs have been used to treat arthritis and its variations as well as other ailments. They are available both over-the-counter (OTC) and by prescription.
Naproxen
Naproxen is available both in prescription-level and OTC strengths. It may be used to treat variations of arthritis including juvenile arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. It also can be used to treat other types of pain including that from menstrual cramps, gout, tendonitis and bursitis.
Ibuprofen
Ibuprofen also may be used in OTC or prescription strengths to treat arthritis and other pain caused by inflammation. It is available as a capsule, pill, suspension or chewable pill.
Aspirin
Aspirin, also known as acetylsalicylic acid, also is under the NSAID classification and predates the rest. It has been used to treat such common ailments as toothaches, headaches, the common cold, menstrual pain, muscle pain and minor arthritis pain among other things. It also has been prescribed in recent years to help prevent heart attacks.
Celecoxib
Celecoxib is a capsule used to treat arthritis pain, but also may be prescribed for menstruation pain, ankylosing spondylitis (a spinal malady), pain from surgical or dental operations and intestinal polyps.
Indomethacin
Indomethacin may be prescribed for gout and arthritis as well as other inflammations such as pain in the joints, stiffness and swelling. It is available as a delayed-release capsule, a suspension and a capsule.
