A group of drugs, also known as NSAIDs that produce analgesia (pain relief) and reduce inflammation in joints and soft tissues such as muscles and ligaments. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are widely used to relieve symptoms caused by types of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and gout. They do not cure or halt the progress of disease. NSAIDs are also used in the treatment of back pain, menstrual pain, headaches, pain after minor surgery, and soft tissue injuries. The drugs reduce pain and inflammation by blocking the production of prostaglandins (chemicals that cause inflammation and trigger transmission of pain signals to the brain). NSAIDs may cause a wide range of side effects, the most important of which are nausea, indigestion, bleeding from the stomach, and, sometimes, peptic ulcer.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs |
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