These NSAIDs help decrease pain, control fever, and reduceinflammation.
Finding the best NSAID depends on the condition being treated and the person’s age.
What Does “Anti-Inflammatory” Mean?
Illustration by Danie Drankwalter for Verywell Health
Illustration by Danie Drankwalter for Verywell Health
Which NSAID Is Best?
Usually, different NSAIDs can have similar effects.
It’s difficult to predict which medications will be the most beneficial.
Illustration by Jessica Olah for Verywell Health
The best way to determine which NSAID is best for you is to try different options.
In addition, the COX-2 inhibitors are thought to have fewer side effects on the stomach.
Is Ibuprofen or Naproxen Better for Inflammation?
There isn’t much research comparing ibuprofen and naproxen.
Keep in mind that you should not take both at the same time.
What Conditions Are NSAIDs Used For?
NSAIDs can be used to help reduce symptoms of various conditions and ailments.
Over-the-counter (OTC) NSAIDs are meant for short-term use.
If your healthcare provider approves long-term use, always check for side effects.
While both OTC and prescription NSAIDs help relieve pain, prescription NSAIDs are more likely to reduce inflammation.
Sometimes prescription NSAIDs are used for long-lasting relief.
Is Tylenol an NSAID?
Tylenol (acetaminophen)is not an NSAID.
Common Prescriptions
Some of the OTC anti-inflammatories are also available in stronger, prescription formulations.
Some drugs, like Advil, are considered non-selective.
COX-2 inhibitorsmay be an option for people who have gastrointestinal side effects, which are common with OTC NSAIDs.
Celebrexremains the only prescription option in the United States for people seeking a selective COX-2 inhibitor.
Some of the side effects are minor, and others are potentially dangerous.
Some people may be more prone to side effects.
The benefits of taking an anti-inflammatory medication need to be balanced with the possible risks of taking the medication.
Additional Treatments
Medicine isn’t the only way to control inflammation and discomfort.
Some have better scientific support than others, but almost all are safe to try.
Among them is the R.I.C.E.
Topical treatments andphysical activities or therapyalso may help.
An often-neglected method to control inflammation is rest.
Keep in mind that some options, likephysical therapy, can be done in combination with medications.
Summary
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are available in various strengths and for different purposes.
Prescription NSAIDs may be used when stronger or long-acting medications are needed, often to treat chronic pain.
UpToDate.Overview of COX-2 selective NSAIDs.
Shin S.Safety of celecoxib versus traditional nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in older patients with arthritis.J Pain Res.
2018;11:3211-3219. doi:10.2147/JPR.S186000
National Health Service.Common questions about ibuprofen for adults.
Nationwide Children’s Hospital.Acetaminophen vs. Ibuprofen: What’s the difference?
Jozwiak-Bebenista M, Nowak JZ.Paracetamol: mechanism of action, applications and safety concern.Acta Pol Pharm.
2014;71(1):11-23.
2017;390(10090):e21-e33.
Aspirin use to prevent cardiovascular disease: preventive medication.
2020 Apr;69(4):617-629. doi:10.1136/gutjnl-2019-319300.
Arthritis Foundation.Physical therapy for arthritis.
