side effects. The most common side effect


is stomach upset, and the most common serious effect is stomach ulcer that causes bleeding. Other less common effects are kidney damage and increased risk for heart attack or stroke, although this is probably only significant in people who already have kidney or cardiovascular disease. Serious side effects are unlikely


unless you are taking NSAIDs for a long time at high doses. If you have a history of


Relief


Acetaminophen or ibuprofen? Here’s what you need to know. ::


These overdoses can be treated or


reversed, but they still cause about 500 deaths annually. Many overdoses in teens and adults are not accidental but actually suicide attempts.


WHEN TO TAKE AN NSAID Like acetaminophen, NSAIDs act quickly and last about four hours. “NSAIDs block swelling, fever, and


pain because they block a compound called prostaglandin,” explains Qadeer. “NSAIDs are best used for painful conditions caused by inflammation, which are often muscle or bone pain, like an inflamed shoulder or knee. At lower doses NSAIDs mainly relieve pain; at higher doses they have more of an anti-inflammatory effect.” Menstrual cramps in women also


respond better to NSAIDs because the pain is caused by prostaglandins, fatty compounds that act as chemical messengers for your immune system. Prostaglandins increase blood


flow and allow immune stem cells, like white blood cells, to trigger inflammation. The symptoms of inflammation are swelling, redness, warmth, and pain. Inflammation of a joint can cause loss of movement. Other common causes of painful inflammation include:


An infection from a bacteria, virus, or fungus A foreign body, like a splinter A toxin, like a bee sting or poison ivy An inflammatory disease, like rheumatoid arthritis or gout An injury, like a sprain, strain, or broken bone A burn from extreme heat or a chemical


NSAID SIDE EFFECTS To avoid side effects, adults should not take more than 1,200 milligrams of ibuprofen. Blocking prostaglandin allows


NSAIDs to reduce fever, pain, and swelling, but this can also lead to


cardiovascular disease, ask your doctor about taking ibuprofen. It may increase your risk of heart attack or stroke but only slightly, by about 0.1% to 0.2%.


ASPIRIN AND COMBINATION PRODUCTS Before there was acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and other NSAIDs, there was only aspirin. In fact, the history of aspirin


goes back thousands of years. Its main ingredient is salicin, found in the willow tree. Medicine from willow bark was used by the ancient Egyptians to treat pain and swelling. In 1899 acetylsalicylic acid —


modern aspirin — was produced by the Bayer pharmaceutical company. By 1955 it was the most common painkiller in the world. Aspirin is still a good option for


NSAIDs block swelling, fever, and pain because they block a compound called prostaglandin.” — Amad Qadeer, M.D.


treating pain, but it has the side effect of blocking blood clotting, which is another function of prostaglandin. This makes aspirin less safe than other choices for pain but very useful as a blood thinner for people at risk for heart attack or stroke. Finally, one of the most recent


discoveries about acetaminophen and NSAIDs is that they work better together. “Using acetaminophen and an


NSAID together is more powerful than using either one alone. You can alternate between both drugs or use them in an OTC combination product,” says Qadeer.


APRIL 2023 | NEWSMAX MAXLIFE 81


COLLEEN MICHAELS/SHUTTERSTOCK


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