What are the Different NSAIDs?

NSAIDs (or Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory drugs) are used to ease pain and reduce inflammation. According ot WebMD, more than 30 million Americans use an NSAID drug every day. These medications are used for headache, sprains, arthritis, menstrual pain, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and many other types of pain and inflammation.

Aspirin

• Aspirin was the first NSAID available for consumer use. Today, it is sold under the brand names Ecotrin, Aspergum, St. Joseph's Aspirin, Bufferin, Bayer, and many others. Aspirin is commonly mixed with other drugs such as caffeine and codeine to enhance the pain relieving effect. Aspirin is commonly recommend in small doses by physicians to thin the blood and help reduce the chance of heart attack.

Naproxen

• Naproxen can be purchased both with and without a prescription under the brand names Anaprox, Comfort Pac with Naproxen, Leader Naproxen Sodium, Midol Extended relief, Naprelan, Aleve and Noprosyn. Naproxin is available in both a slow release and enteric, or coated, variety. Dosage depends on the type of Naproxen you are using.

Ibuprofen

• Ibuprofen is available over the counter as both a generic and brand name drug. Brands names include Motrin, Advil, Genpril, Ibu, Midol and Nuprin. The maximum dose of Ibuprofen for adults is 800mg four times a day, for a total for 3200mg a day.

Ketoprofen

• Ketoprofen is sold under the brand name Orudis. It is used primarily for rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, although Ketaprofen is sometimes prescribed for menstrual pain. Side effects of Ketoprofen include constipation, irregular heart beat, dizziness, upset stomach, and skin reactions.

Diclofenac

• Diclofenac is a prescription-only medication. It is available in gel form, to be rubbed on the skin, and tablet form, for internal use. Diclofenac gel is sold under the brand names Voltaren Topical Gel 1%, Solaraze, and Flector Patch. For internal use, diclofenac is sold under the brand names Cataflam, Voltaren, Voltaren-XR and Zipsor

Nabumetone

• Nabumetone is most commonly prescribed for osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. It is sold under the brand name Relafen. This NSAID is taken in a dose of 1,000mg once a day, with a recommended maximum dosage of 1,000mg twice a day.

Etodolac

• Etodolac is sold under the brand names Lodine and Lodine XL. This is a prescription medication mainly used for rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Etodalac can take up to two weeks before you see its full effect.

Oxaprozin

• Oxaprozin is used to treat juvenile arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Like all NSAID drugs, oxaprozin should be taken with at least 8 oz of water to help avoid stomach pain and other side effects