Patient Education Topic

Overview

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are a group of medications that are often used to relieve pain and inflammation. NSAIDs are available over-the-counter or by prescription and include ibuprofen and aspirin and the famous brand Advil. However, it is important to note that NSAIDs are not always suitable for those with kidney conditions, even if they are obtained over the counter. Read on to find out why.

How do NSAIDs work?

NSAIDs work by decreasing the production of prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are substances that play a role in pain and inflammation. By lessening the production of prostaglandins, NSAIDs can help to relieve pain and inflammation.

 

What conditions are  NSAIDs used to treat?

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are a group of medications that are commonly used to treat conditions such as pain, fever, and inflammation. NSAIDs work by reducing the production of certain chemicals in the body that contribute to inflammation.

 

Potential side effects of Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs

NSAIDs can be toxic to the kidneys, which can lead to hypertension and other problems.

Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is a disorder in which the force of blood against artery walls is too high.

A person has the condition hypertension if the top number of their blood pressure reading (systolic) is 140 mmHg or higher, or if the bottom number (diastolic) 90 mmHg or higher.

With this in mind, it is important to be aware of the potential risks before taking NSAIDs. If you have any concerns, please speak with your healthcare provider.

Remember, just because a medication is over the counter does not automatically equate to that this is safe for use for all people, and patients should always consult with their physician before taking any medication. Even if it is available without a prescription, and particularly if you already have a known kidney problem!

 

List of Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs’ trade and generic names.

There are many different kinds of NSAIDs on the market including those that you can get over the counter:

BRAND NAME

GENERIC NAME

Ascriptin, Bayer, Ecotrin

aspirin

Advil, Motrin

ibuprofen

Aleve

naproxen sodium

Then there are those that you can only get with a prescription from a medical professional:

BRAND NAME

GENERIC NAME

Celebrex

celecoxib

Clinoril

sulindac

Daypro

oxaprozin

Anaprox

naproxen sodium

Feldene

piroxicam

Indocin, Tivorbex

indomethacin

Nalfon

fenoprofen

Naprelan, Naprosyn

naproxen

Vimovo

naproxen/esomeprazole

Voltaren, Zorvolex

diclofenac

 

diflunisal

Cambia, Cataflam

diclofenac potassium

 

etodolac

 

ketorolac tromethamine

 

meclofenamate

Mobic, Vivlodex

meloxicam

 

nabumetone

 

salsalate

 

To check whether a Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs if safe for your to take please call/text Kidney360.

While there is a great deal of good Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs can do for those struggling with fever or pain, they are not always suitable for those with a kidney condition.

Therefore if someone has instructed you to take Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs, or if you are wondering whether or not a Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug is safe for your condition, please call or text Kidney360 before you take it.

After all, your health is precious, and it's always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to protecting it.