Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (also called NSAIDs) stop cyclooxygenase enzymes (also called COX enzymes) in your body from working. COX enzymes speed up your body's production of hormone-like substances called prostaglandins. Prostaglandins cause the feeling of pain by irritating your nerve endings. They are also part of the system that helps your body control its temperature.
By reducing the level of prostaglandins in your body, NSAIDs help relieve pain from conditions like arthritis. They also help reduce inflammation (swelling), lower fevers and prevent blood from clotting.
common prescription NSAIDs
There are 2 classes of prescription NSAIDs.
Traditional NSAIDs include the following:
- Diclofenac (brand names: Cataflam, Voltaren)
- Etodolac (brand name: Lodine)
- Fenoprofen (brand name: Nalfon)
- Flurbiprofen (brand name: Ansaid)
- Ibuprofen (2 brand name: Advil, Motrin)
- Indomethacin (brand name: Indocin)
- Ketoprofen (brand names: Orudis, Oruvail)
- Meclofenamate
- Meloxicam (brand name: Mobic)
- Nabumetone (brand name: Relafen)
- Naproxen (brand names: Anaprox, Naprelan, Naprosyn)
- Oxaprozin (brand name: Daypro)
- Piroxicam (brand name: Feldene)
- Sulindac (brand name: Clinoril)
- Tolmetin (brand name: Tolectin)
COX-2 inhibitors include celecoxib (brand name: Celebrex).
