Last Updated on May 13, 2025 by Analgesia team
NSAIDs Medical Abbreviation
NSAIDs is the medical abbreviation for Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs. They are a class of drugs that are used to treat pain, inflammation, and fever. They can be used to treat a variety of conditions, including:
Muscle pain
Dysmenorrhea
Arthritis
Migraines
Headaches
Sprains and strains
Colds and flu
Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Some examples of NSAIDs include
Side Effects
NSAIDs can have serious side effects, including bleeding and problems with the stomach, kidneys, or heart. Research suggests that NSAIDs can also slow down the body’s natural healing process.
Common side effects
-
- Gastrointestinal issues: Stomach pain, indigestion, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, gas, and bloating
- Headaches: Headaches and dizziness
- Drowsiness: Drowsiness and feeling faint
- High blood pressure: NSAIDs can raise blood pressure in some people
- Allergic reactions: Swollen lips, mouth, throat, or tongue, difficulty breathing, and skin, tongue, or lips turning blue, gray, or pale
Serious side effects
- Stomach ulcers: Can cause internal bleeding and anaemia
- Heart problems: Heart failure, heart attacks, and strokes
- Kidney problems: Blood in your urine, passing less urine, or feeling sick
- Liver problems: Jaundice or inflammation of the liver
- Anaemia: Feeling faint, tired, or short of breath
- Pancreas inflammation: High temperature, stomach pain, and being sick
It should be used at the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible duration, and ideally under medical supervision, especially for those with underlying health conditions.