💊Daily Pill: What are NSAIDs?

Pain Relief at a Cost – What You Need to Know

The Daily Pill is a series of very short daily posts where I share the definition of a medical term I think we should all know. Read it every morning and build up your medical vocabulary.

🩹 Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) are a class of medications used to reduce pain, inflammation, and lower the occasional fever. Examples include ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen. NSAIDs work by inhibiting enzymes called cyclooxygenases (COX-1 and COX-2), which play a key role in the production of prostaglandins, which compounds involved in inflammation and pain signaling.

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🤔Why you need to know:

NSAIDs are widely used for managing pain and inflammation associated with various conditions such as minor injuries on the mats and arthritis. However, long-term or excessive use of NSAIDs can lead to adverse effects such as gastrointestinal bleeding, kidney damage, and increased risk of cardiovascular events.

More importantly (not really but I know my audience) NSAIDs can also inhibit muscle growth after exercise by reducing the inflammatory response necessary for muscle repair and growth. Using NSAIDs safely and recognizing their potential risks can help you manage pain effectively while minimizing harmful side effects. Use topical stuff instead, when possible.

🧠Trivia:

Ready to have your world view shattered? Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is not an NSAID. Unlike NSAIDs, acetaminophen does not have significant anti-inflammatory properties and works primarily as an analgesic (pain reliever) and antipyretic (fever reducer). It also works through a completely different mechanism - primarily affecting the central nervous system to reduce pain and fever.