Anti-inflammatory drugs: what they are, types, use

Pain often occurs with inflammation. This agonizing condition is often relieved with anti-inflammatory drugs. They are prescribed to lower body temperature in acute respiratory viral infections, bacterial infections and fever. The effect of anti-inflammatory drugs occurs not only in the focus of inflammation, but also in healthy organs. Such drugs do not solve the problem that caused the inflammation. They only relieve the symptom. Consider the types of anti-inflammatory drugs and their use.

Steroid analgesic anti-inflammatory drugs

The composition of steroidal analgesic drugs contains hormones. They are prescribed for various diseases of the joints, skin, allergies, pancreatitis, viral hepatitis and other diseases and conditions. Glucocorticoids suppress immunity, so they are used in organ or tissue transplantation. The action of the drug suppresses the rejection of new tissues by the body.

Hormonal drugs have a high probability of undesirable side effects. They can cause salt and water retention, the appearance of edema. In the body, the potassium content decreases, the blood glucose level rises. Diabetes may develop. Tissue regeneration is reduced. There is a risk of developing thrombosis, obesity, menstrual disorders and neurological disorders.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

The mechanism of action of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs is based on inhibition of the formation of prostaglandins, which stimulate the development of inflammation and pain. The most well-known NSAIDs are:

• Acetylsalicylic acid aspirin.
• Analgin.
• Phenylbutazone.
• Diclofenac.
• Piroxicam.
• Ibuprofen.
• Nimesulide.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used internally in the form of tablets, injections. For external use, gels and ointments are used, which contain substances that relieve pain. They penetrate through the tissue into the site of inflammation and have an analgesic effect.

NSAIDs are prescribed for such diseases:

• Rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, spondyloarthritis, gout.
• Headache, migraine.
• Pain after surgery, tooth extraction or treatment.
• Trauma.
• Fever.
• Renal colic.

NSAIDs have a fast action because they are absorbed in the GI tract immediately after taking them. They rapidly penetrate through tissues. Anti-inflammatory drugs are metabolized or converted in the liver and excreted by the kidneys.

The use of anti-inflammatory drugs is started only after the prescription of a doctor. These drugs have side effects that can be dangerous to your health. They have a negative impact on the liver, digestive tract and kidneys. Especially the side effects of NSAIDs are manifested with prolonged use. It is important to take into account that they reduce blood clotting. Headache, dizziness, bronchial spasms may occur. NSAIDs are not recommended for use in pregnancy. It is worth familiarizing yourself with the composition of the drug, its effects and possible negative side effects.