Treatments for inflammation and pain

NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) are a type of pain relief medication that are used for pain from muscle injuries, gout, arthritis, headache, dental pain and period pain. NSAIDs are also used to reduce fever (e.g. Nurofen liquid for children).



While it is usually safe to take anti-inflammatories for a short time to reduce inflammation and pain NSAIDs have side effects and may not be suitable for people with stomach problems, asthma, heart, liver or kidney problems. Before taking NSAIDs, check with your pharmacist or doctor if they are suitable for you.

Many NSAIDs can be bought from your pharmacy without a prescription e.g. Nurofen, Voltaren
Some pain medicines contain both an NSAID + Paracetamol (e.g. Nuromol, Maxigesic)
NSAIDs are usually available as tablets or capsules, some are available as a syrup and some are available as gels (e.g. Voltaren Emulgel)

Aspirin is also an NSAID (e.g. Aspro, Dispirin) but it is mainly prescribed in low doses to help to keep the blood from clotting, such as for people who have had a heart attack in the past for example, Aspec®, Cartia®, Cardiprin®.

NSAIDs – how to choose?

Ibuprofen (Nurofen) is the most commonly used anti-inflammatory, and Diclofenac (Voltaren) can also be purchased without a prescription in lower strengths.

While most people will find any NSAID helpful, some people may find that one NSAID works better than another for them. Some NSAIDs need to be taken more often than others.

All NSAIDs are associated with side effects but some NSAIDs have fewer side effects and may be preferred to others.

The common side-effect is stomach irritation, and this can be reduced by taking your dose with food.

NSAIDs can generally be safely used by most people when used in low doses for a short-term pain relief. But because many people take NSAIDs daily for months or years to relieve chronic pain (such as arthritis and low back pain), it is especially important to watch out for side effects.