NSAIDs Info I have compiled

Here is information on NSAIDs that I have compiled. (For those of you who don't want to search...I don't blame you:)

NSAIDs are short for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. According to MedicineNet.com (n.d.), these medications work by blocking the production of prostaglandins in your body. Prostaglandins are the chemicals produced by your body that can cause inflammation, pain, and fever, and support blood clotting, and protect the lining of you stomach. Prostaglandins produce two enzymes, COX-1 and COX-2, and both these promote inflammation, pain, and fever, with COX-1 being the only one to support platelets and the stomach. When an NSAID is taken it blocks this enzyme giving the person relief from the ailment.
There are many different NSAIDs that are available today, and most of which are available over the counter. Here are some of the brand and generic names of those available OTC.

Chemical Name: Brand Name

Ibuprofen: Advil, Advil Migraine, Advil Cold and Sinus, etc..
Motrin, Motrin Migraine, Children's Motrin,etc...
Naproxen:Aleve
(Pharmacist's Letter, 2005)

Here are some of the medications that are available with a prescription.

Chemical Name: Brand Name

Celecoxib: Celebrex
Diclofenac:Voltaren, Arthotec
Ibuprofen:Vicoprofen
Indomethacin:Indocin
Ketorolac:Toradol
Nabumetone:Relafen
(Pharmacist's Letter, 2005)

Dosing for Adults
According to Drugs.com (2009), for treatment of fever and moderate pain NSAIDs should be taken every 6 to 8 hours in in 200mg - 800mg doses, as necessary. The daily dosage is not to exceed 1200mg - 3200mg in a 24 hour period and may very depending on the severity of the symptoms.(Although, the FDA, at this time is debating on lowering the daily maximum dosing due to the long term effects of usage).

Side Effects and Risks
Although these medications can help relieve pain, inflamation and fever, there can be some major side effects that go with them. Some of the side efeects include nausea, stomach upset, diarrhea, constipation, decreased appitite, rash, dizziness, headache, drowziness, and fluid retention (MedicineNet.com, n.d). In some cases, side efeects are more serious and may include kidney and liver failure, ulcers and prolonged bleeding after an injury or surgery (MedicineNet.com, n.d.). Most side effects can be lessened by taking them with a meal and reporting any side effects to a physician (Hertz, 2007).
In the article, FDA announces important changes and additional warnings for COX-2s and NSAIDs from Pharmacist's Letter (2005), the FDA has asked that all manufactures of any NSAID put warnings on there products. Some of these warnings include:
• More information about the potential cardiovascular and gastrointestinal risks.
• Instructions about seeking medical attention before use.
• Stronger reminders about maximum dosing.
• Warnings about potential skin reactions.

These risks will go up the older you are, escpecially people 65 and older, people with a history of ulcers, and people who take blood thinners or corticosteroids (prednisone). Those who drink alcohol may also have an increased risk of stomach problems (Hertz, 2007)

References
Drugs.com. (2009). Ibuprofen Oral Suspension Dosage and Administration. Retrieved October 7th, 2009, from http://www.drugs.com/pro/ibuprofen-oral-suspension.html.
Hertz, S. (2007). The benefits and risks of pain relievers: Q & A on NSAIDs with Sharon Hertz, M.D. Retrieved October 6th, 2009, from http//www.fda.gov/consumer/updates/pain042507.html.
MedicineNet.com. n.d. Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs). Retrieved October 7th, 2009, from http//www.medicinenet.com/nonsteroidal_antiinflammatory_drugs/article.htm.
Pharmacist's Letter/ Prescriber's Letter. 2005. FDA announces important changes and additional warnings for COX-2s and NSAIDs. Retrieved October 6th, 2009, from http://www.pharmacistsletter.com.