Skip to main content

NSAIDs

Meaning

NSAIDs, or Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs, are a widely utilized class of pharmacological agents employed to alleviate pain, reduce fever, and diminish inflammation through their inhibitory effect on prostaglandin synthesis. These drugs are distinct from steroids, sharing a common mechanism of action by targeting the cyclooxygenase enzymes. Clinicians prescribe NSAIDs for managing a spectrum of conditions, ranging from acute musculoskeletal injury and headache to chronic inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis. While highly effective for symptomatic relief, their systemic use requires careful consideration due to potential gastrointestinal, renal, and cardiovascular side effects.