Anti-Inflammatory Drugs: Types, Uses, and Side Effects - Encyclopedia UK

Anti-inflammatory drugs are medications that reduce inflammation, swelling, and pain in conditions such as arthritis, injuries, and other inflammatory disorders.

Anti-inflammatory drugs FAQ

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What is an anti inflammatory drug?

Anti-inflammatory or antiphlogistic is the property of a substance or treatment that reduces inflammation or swelling. Anti-inflammatory drugs, also called anti-inflammatories, make up about half of analgesics.

What are prescription anti-inflammatory drugs?

Prescription anti-inflammatory medications are used to reduce pain, inflammation, and fever in acute and chronic medical conditions. They are also called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). NSAIDs block an enzyme called cyclooxygenase (or COX) used by the body to make prostaglandins.

What are anti-inflammatory drugs & how do they work?

Anti-inflammatory drugs, also called anti-inflammatories, make up about half of analgesics. These drugs remedy pain by reducing inflammation as opposed to opioids, which affect the central nervous system to block pain signaling to the brain.

What are anti-inflammatory tablets used for?

Anti-inflammatory tablets are used to treat arthritis, sprains, painful periods and other painful conditions. Most people have no trouble taking these tablets. However, some people develop side-effects which can sometimes be serious.

What are anti-inflammatory painkillers used for?

Anti-inflammatory painkillers have two main uses: Anti-inflammatories are used to relieve pain in various conditions, including: Joint pain. Muscle and ligament pain (strains and sprains). Period pain. Pain after operations. Headache, migraine. Some other types of pain. After a single dose, they work at least as well as paracetamol to ease pain.

What are the different types of anti-inflammatory painkillers?

Anti-inflammatory painkillers are sometimes classified into two main groups: Non-selective or standard NSAIDs. Most fall into this group, including diclofenac, ibuprofen, indometacin and naproxen. These block both COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes. Coxibs. For example, celecoxib and etoricoxib. These mainly (selectively) block just the COX-2 enzyme.