Table 1 - NSAIDS
Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Medications for Pain Relief
| Class | Name | Chemical name | Risks |
| Over-the-Counter NSAIDS | |||
| Aspirin | acetyl salicylic acid | BT, GI, KT, FO | |
| Motrin | ibuprofen | BT, GI, KT | |
| Alleve | naproxen | BT, GI, KT | |
| Pain Reliever | |||
| Tylenol | acetaminophen | LT, KT | |
| Prescription NSAIDS | |||
| Arthrotec | diclofenac & misoprostol | KT, BT, FO, CR | |
| Clinoril | sulindac | GI, KT, BT | |
| Daypro | oxaprazosin | GI, KT, BT | |
| Indocin | indomethacin | GI, KT, BT | |
| Orudis | ketoprofen | GI, KT, BT | |
| Relafen | nabumetone | GI, KT, BT | |
| Toradol | ketorolac intravenous | GI, KT, BT | |
| Voltaren XR | diclofenac | GI, KT, BT, CR | |
| Prescription NSAID Cox-2 Inhibitors | |||
| Vioxx | rofecoxib | GI, KT, LT, FO, CR | |
| Celebrex | celcoxib | GI, KT, LT, FO, CR | |
| Bextra | valdecoxib | GI, KT, LT, FO, CR |
All pain medications listed in the text and table of this site have side effects. In addition to those listed as special risks for each of these medications, there are serious but unusual side effects that occur rarely such as decreased production of blood cells by the body. All medications are risky for anyone who may be pregnant or who is breast feeding and require special attention before prescribing. With the exception of over-the-counter drugs, all of these medications should only be taken with a prescription for the patient and under the direction of a physician. Liver toxicity and kidney toxicity usually do not occur, but routine blood tests for signs of these problem are essential if they are taken on an ongoing basis.
(BT) – blood thinning; (FO) – fetal/obstetrical effects; (GI) – gastric irritation; (KT) – kidney toxicity; (LT) – liver toxicity; (CR) – possible cardiac effects. Cox-2 = cyclo-oxygenase 2 inhibitor – these generally cause less stomach irritation than other NSAIDS.
