Introduction

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are medications widely used to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and bring down a high temperature (fever).

They're often used to relieve symptoms of Headaches , painful periods , sprains and strains , colds and flu , arthritis ,and other causes of long-term pain.

Although NSAIDs are commonly used, they're not suitable for everyone and can sometimes cause troublesome side effects.

This information is a general overview of NSAIDs. For information about a specific medicine, you can look up your medication on the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) website.

This page covers:

Types of NSAIDs

Who can take NSAIDs

Side effects of NSAIDs

Interactions with other medicines

Food and alcohol

Overdoses of NSAIDs

Alternatives to NSAIDs

Content supplied by the NHS Website

Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 30 Nov 2016