NSAIDs: How They Work and What to Watch For

NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) are the go-to for aches, inflammation, and fever. You’ve probably used ibuprofen or naproxen — they cut pain and swelling by blocking chemicals your body makes during injury. That helps with headaches, muscle strains, period pain, and many types of joint pain.

But NSAIDs aren’t harmless. They can upset your stomach, raise blood pressure, and stress your kidneys. The trick is using the lowest effective dose for the shortest time that works for you.

Practical dosing and quick safety rules

Common OTC dosing: adults usually take ibuprofen 200–400 mg every 4–6 hours, not exceeding 1,200 mg a day OTC; naproxen often comes as 220 mg and is taken every 8–12 hours, with a common OTC max around 660 mg daily. Read the label and, if your doctor prescribes higher doses, follow their instructions.

Simple safety steps you can follow right away:

• Take NSAIDs with food to cut stomach upset.
• Use the lowest dose that helps and stop when you can.
• Avoid mixing NSAIDs with alcohol — that ups bleeding risk.
• If you take blood thinners, have heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney disease, or a history of ulcers, check with your doctor before using NSAIDs.
• Watch for warning signs like black stools, belly pain, shortness of breath, swelling in your ankles, or sudden drop in urine — call a doctor if any appear.

Choosing an option and alternatives

Which NSAID to pick depends on pain type and how your body reacts. Ibuprofen is fast and good for general pain; naproxen lasts longer for conditions needing steady relief. If you have stomach sensitivity, ask about topical NSAID gels — they deliver medicine to the sore spot with less effect on your gut.

If NSAIDs aren’t safe for you, acetaminophen (paracetamol) can handle pain and fever but won’t reduce inflammation. For longer-term inflammation control, your doctor may suggest other medicines or physical therapy depending on the condition.

Interactions matter: NSAIDs can reduce the effectiveness of some blood pressure meds and can increase bleeding risk with blood thinners or certain antidepressants. Always tell your provider about all medicines you take, including supplements.

Tags like this page collect articles about pain meds, online pharmacies, and alternatives — useful if you’re shopping for treatment options or want safer ways to manage pain. If you’re unsure whether an NSAID is right for you, a quick call to your healthcare provider clears things up faster than guessing.