Aspirin and NSAIDs

Aspirin belongs to a group of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (or NSAIDs for short).
Aspirin is commonly used to treat many forms of arthritis. Although aspirin is often very important, medication is only part of a total treatment program for arthritis. You need to learn from your doctor what else to do for your disease. A typical program includes medication therapy as well as exercise, rest, and joint protection.
All nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs have the ability to reduce the effects of inflammation present in most types of arthritis. They are not related to the steroid drugs, which are a different group of well-known anti-inflammatory drugs similar to hormones such as cortisone. The nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs appear to work by blocking the action of various body chemicals, which cause some of the pain and inflammation of arthritis. An advantage of aspirin over the other NSAIDs is that aspirin costs less. Because a person with arthritis must take medication for a long time, aspirin's fairly low cost is often a major factor in the choice of drug treatment.

I took asprin every day per my doctor's recommendation. When the day came that I needed an operation for my new knee I developed a bleed. It was, I think, a side effect that I had not counted on. So beware of unintended consequeces.

Three of the main types of NSAIDs that arthritis patient often use are acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and analgesic (pain-relieving) rubs.

Acetaminophen

Acetaminophen is used for relief of headaches, fever, and mild pain. However, it does not reduce the inflammation that is present in many forms of arthritis. Some brand names include Tylenol and Datril. You can substitute it for aspirin or other salicylates to control pain, but not for the reduction of inflammation. Your doctor will let you know whether acetaminophen would be useful for you.

Aspirin and other NSAIDS are often combined with acetaminophen in a single tablet for relief of arthritis and other painful conditions. Sometimes other drugs such as caffeine, an antihistamine, nasal drying agents, and sedatives are also added. Although some of these preparations may have special uses for certain acute conditions such as a cold or a headache, they should not be taken for a chronic (long-term) form of arthritis. If a combination is required, each drug should be prescribed separately. The dose of each should be adjusted individually to achieve the greatest benefit with the fewest side effects.

Ibuprofen

Ibuprofen and other NSAIDS are now available without a prescription for control of aches, pains, fever, and menstrual cramps. (Some brand-name examples are Advil and Nuprin.) The benefits of this drug are similar to those of aspirin, but overdoses are less likely to cause serious illness than are overdoses of aspirin.

Analgesic (pain-relieving) rubs

Analgesic (pain-relieving)NSAIDS rubs are liquids or ointments that often contain some form of salicylate. They are meant to be rubbed onto the skin over a painful area such as a joint for short-term pain relief. They produce their effect by creating a sensation of numbness and warmth in the skin, which may provide some feeling of relief from the underlying pain. They may also work as counter-irritants that increase local blood flow and modify the perception of pain.

The salicylates (NSAIDS) and other substances such as menthol and camphor in these rubs are not well absorbed. This means that they do not penetrate the skin and reach underlying painful joints. Only a small amount actually reaches the circulation to be spread throughout the body. These rubs do not reduce inflammation. Analgesic rubs are very toxic if taken internally. They should be kept away from children.

The most common side effects of aspirin and other NSAIDS are heartburn and other symptoms of stomach irritation such as indigestion, pain, nausea, and vomiting. The stomach irritation may lead to bleeding from the stomach, which may cause black stools. These symptoms may be reduced by taking aspirin with meals, with an antacid, with a glass of milk, or by taking enteric-coated or timed-release aspirin. Also, it is best not to take aspirin with alcohol or coffee (or other beverages containing caffeine, such as tea or cocoa and many soft drinks). Alcohol and caffeine make the stomach more sensitive to irritation. The non aspirin salicylate preparations sometimes are less irritating to the stomach and may be substituted for aspirin by your doctor.

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