NSAIDs are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications. There are a variety of them on the market as both over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription-level drugs. They may be used in the treatment of any condition in which there is pain from inflammation, but they are typically associated with various forms of arthritis such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and gout. All medicines, whether OTC or prescription, have the potential of producing side effects.
Acetylsalicylic Acid
Acetylsalicylic acid is more commonly known by the name aspirin. Aspirin was marketed at the end of the 19th century by Bayer, a German company. While it fell out of favor with the introduction of other NSAIDs in the 1950s and 1960s, it made a comeback of sorts when it was discovered it could help prevent strokes and heart attacks. Typically, aspirin is used to treat pain caused by inflammation, such as various forms of arthritis and fevers. Low doses of it taken regularly can help prevent strokes or heart attacks, particularly if you already have had cardiovascular or cerebral events in the past, the National Institute of Health states. Acetylsalicylic acid can cause such common side effects as heartburn, nausea, pain in your stomach and vomiting.
Ibuprofen
Ibuprofen is marketed in the United States OTC as many brand names including Advil, Midol, Nuprin, Motrin and Addaprin, among others. It can help relieve the pain of headaches as well as other problems caused by inflammation such as cramps associated with menstruation, arthritis and fevers. According to Ibuprofen Drug, the medicine was patented in 1961, and it began being marketed in the United States---following introduction in Britain---in 1974 as both Advil and Nuprin by two different companies. Common side effects include stomach pain, diarrhea, breathing difficulties, nervousness and a temporary loss of hearing.
Naproxen Sodium
Aleve is the most common brand name in the United States of naproxen sodium. It may be used, like other NSAIDs, to help relieve pain and inflammation, particularly with juvenile arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and ankylosing spondylitis, an arthritic condition of the spinal joints. It also may be used to treat gout, bursitis, menstrual cramps and bursitis. Naproxen become an OTC medication in the U.S. in 1994 with Food and Drug Administration approval.
