The 5 Most Used Anti-Inflammatories
These days, people have access to a wide variety of drugs in the treatment of ailments. Anti-inflammatories are the most widely used drugs in the world to alleviate conditions quickly and easily. Coming up, we’ll tell you which are the 5 most used anti-inflammatories.
These drugs are used in the management of headaches, malaise, muscle pain, and fever. Among these drugs, the most widely used are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for their ability to reduce inflammation and pain. They do all of this without generating the adverse effects associated with steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
The mechanism of action of these drugs is similar and is based on the inhibition of the body’s own inflammatory pathways. They’re very versatile, and so they’re used to treat many different illnesses and with all age groups, and with a high safety index as well.
What are the 5 most used anti-inflammatories?
Anti-inflammatories are widely used in homes around the world. These drugs are characterized not only by their anti-inflammatory capacity, but also by their analgesic and antipyretic effect. This allows them to be the common remedy for any ailment.
Within this group of drugs, some have a greater effect than others, so they are indicated according to the severity of the condition. In fact, their potency is also associated with a greater number of adverse effects, which means you should maintain strict medical surveillance while they’re consumed.
1. Ibuprofen
Ibuprofen is an oral drug used in the treatment of painful conditions and in the effective control of febrile processes. In the same way, it’s one of the most used anti-inflammatories in the management of mild arthritis, menstrual pain, and musculoskeletal disorders.
The analgesic and antipyretic effect of this drug is supplied by its ability to inhibit the synthesis of prostaglandins and other inflammatory mediators by blocking the enzyme cyclooxygenase. In addition, it’s capable of interfering with platelet aggregation, prolonging the clotting time.
Studies affirm ibuprofen has fewer gastrointestinal effects than other NSAIDs. However, its consumption isn’t recommended in pregnant or lactating women. It’s also contraindicated in cases of known hypersensitivity to drugs from the same anti-inflammatory group.
2. Aspirin
Aspirin, or acetylsalicylic acid, is a drug used for many years in the relief of mild to moderate painful conditions and in the management of fever. Specialists prescribe them for the control and prevention of cardiac and cerebral ischemic events, such as angina pectoris.
This drug’s mechanism of action is similar to that of ibuprofen – it blocks the production of prostaglandins through the enzyme cyclooxygenase. Similarly, it’s considered a potent inhibitor of clot formation by blocking the production of thromboxanes, and, therefore, the aggregation of platelets.
The main side effects associated with its consumption are manifested at the gastrointestinal level. These include a sensation of heartburn, indigestion, and flatulence. In addition, some patients may report vomiting, nausea, confusion, and headache.
For its part, aspirin is contraindicated in patients with a known allergy, stomach ulcers, and a history of digestive bleeding. Similarly, it shouldn’t be administered in people with a previous diagnosis of heart, kidney, or liver failure.
3. Paracetamol
Paracetamol or acetaminophen is a widely used drug in children and adolescents for its analgesic and antipyretic properties. However, its anti-inflammatory capacity is minimal compared to the rest of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
This drug reduces pain by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins in the central nervous system and reduces fever by acting on the hypothalamic regulatory center. Its greater pediatric use is usually attributed to postoperative pain control and in patients with mild pain.
The side effects of paracetamol occur in very few patients, and include general malaise, dizziness, and a decrease in blood pressure. In addition, it’s contraindicated in people with a known allergy to NSAIDs, liver failure, or other diseases of this organ.
4. Naproxen
Naproxen is known for its great power to reduce mild to moderate pain, inflammatory processes, and fever. It’s used in the treatment of joint and musculoskeletal conditions such as arthritis, tendonitis, sprains, and bursitis, as well as in the management of migraine headaches and the pain associated with menstruation.
Like the rest of the NSAIDs, naproxen works by inhibiting the synthesis of prostaglandins. Therefore, it’s vital to maintain special care in patients with gastrointestinal disorders such as ulcers and bleeding. Special care should also be taken with patients with a history of these diseases.
Despite being one of the most widely used anti-inflammatories, its side effects include vomiting, nausea, indigestion, and diarrhea. In addition, this drug can have serious implications at the liver, kidney, and cardiovascular level.
5. Corticosteroids
These are a group of steroidal drugs that act by regulating the response of the immune system and reducing the local and systemic release of inflammatory mediators. Cortisone, prednisone, and dexamethasone are some of the most widely used worldwide.
They’re used in the management of acute episodes or exacerbations of rheumatic diseases such as arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and acute bursitis. In the same way, they’re used in the control of serious allergic pathologies, intestinal inflammatory conditions, and dermatological reactions such as erythema multiforme.
Despite their great potency and efficacy, corticosteroids are associated with a large number of adverse effects, which will depend on the route of administration. In general, they’re associated with fluid retention, increased blood pressure, weight gain, increased blood sugar levels, and suppression of the immune system.
Medical supervision is the key
Anti-inflammatories are the most commonly used drugs in the treatment of any discomfort or ailment. However, due to the wide variety of these drugs and the myriad of associated adverse effects, proper monitoring of their use is vital.
The specialist doctor is the only one qualified to indicate and refer the administration of any medication. He’s the one who will assess the characteristics of the condition and individual factors in order to offer the best therapy for their disease.
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