NSAIDs

Warning

Please consult a doctor to get medical prescription before administering the solutions.

What Are Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)?

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are medicines that are widely used to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and bring down a high temperature.

NSAIDs are available as tablets, capsules, suppositories (capsules inserted into the bottom), creams, gels, and injections. Some can be bought over the counter from pharmacies, while others need a prescription.

The main types of NSAIDs include:

• Ibuprofen

• Naproxen

• Diclofenac

• Mefenamic acid (Read more here)

• Etoricoxib

• Indomethacin

• Aspirin¹

How Do NSAIDs Work?

Cyclooxygenase (COX) is the enzyme that mediates the bioconversion of arachidonic acid to inflammatory prostaglandins (PGs).

NSAIDs are competitive inhibitors of COX, thus decreasing the production of prostaglandins, which results in decreased menstrual pain.²

What Is the Efficacy of NSAIDs for Period Cramps?

80 randomized controlled trials were included (5820 women). They compared 20 different NSAIDs (18 non-selective and two COX-2-specific) versus placebo, paracetamol, or each other. NSAIDs versus placebo among women with primary dysmenorrhea, NSAIDs were more effective for pain relief than placebo.

Conclusion: NSAIDs appear to be a very effective treatment for dysmenorrhea, though women using them need to be aware of the substantial risk of adverse effects. There is insufficient evidence to determine which (if any) individual NSAID is the safest and most effective for the treatment of dysmenorrhea.³

What Are the Side-Effects of NSAIDs?

• Short-term effects: Nausea, diarrhea.

• Long-term effects: Myocardial Infarction, thromboembolic events, and atrial fibrillation.

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Medically reviewed by

Dr Yash Bahuguna

Researched by

Dr Inara Isani

Written by

Dr Diksha Sheoraut

References

1. Proctor M, Farquhar C. Diagnosis and management of dysmenorrhoea. Bmj. 2006 May 11;332(7550):1134-8.

2. Ghlichloo I, Gerriets V. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

3. Marjoribanks J, Ayeleke RO, Farquhar C, Proctor M, Cochrane Gynaecology and Fertility Group. Nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs for dysmenorrhoea. Cochrane database of systematic reviews. 1996 Sep 1;2015(7).