Analgesics, NSAIDs & Muscle Relaxants (1-10)

Analgesic

Reduces pain

Antipyretic

Reduces fever

NSAID (Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)

• Anti-inflammatory

• Analgesic

• Antipyretic

Inhibit platelet aggregation → platelets cannot clump together as well

* Causes ulcers and stomach upset → Must be taken with food

Anticoagulant

Thin the blood to slow down blood clotting

aspirin acetylsalicylic acid (ASA)

Brand: Bayer, Bufferin, Ecotrin

Class: NSAID, Antiplatelet

Treats: Pain, fever, headache

* Cannot use in children b/c of Reye’s Syndrome

* Can cause ulcers/GI bleeding on an empty stomach

* Should not be taken with Coumadin (warfarin)

acetaminophen (APAP)

Brand: Tylenol

Class: Analgesic, Antipyretic

Treats: Pain, fever, headache

* Maximum of 4000 mg or 4g a day

* Can damage liver if too much is taken

* Safe in pregnancy

ibuprofen

Brand: Motrin, Advil

Class: NSAID

Treats: Pain, fever, inflammation

* Can cause ulcers/GI bleeding on an empty stomach

* OTC Strength → 200 mg; Rx Strength → 400 mg, 600 mg, 800 mg

naproxen

Brand: Naprosyn (Rx), Aleve (OTC)

Class: NSAID

Treats: Pain, arthritis, fever, dysmenorrhea

* Can cause ulcers/GI bleeding on empty stomach

diclofenac sodium

Brand: Voltaren

Class: NSAID

Treats: Pain, arthritis, inflammation

* Can cause ulcers/GI bleeding on an empty stomach

Adverse Effects:

• Heart Failure

• MI

• Stroke

meloxicam

Brand: Mobic

Class: NSAID

Treats: Osteoarthritis, RA, pain

* Less GI irritation compared to other NSAIDs

celecoxib

Brand: Celebrex

Class: COX - II Inhibitor

Treats: Pain, arthritis, dysmenorrhea

* Acts like an NSAID but works differently, less GI irritation and chance of ulcers occurring

methocarbamol

Brand: Robaxin

Class: Skeletal muscle relaxant

Treats: Muscle pain, injury

baclofen

Brand: Lioresal

Class: Skeletal muscle relaxant

Treats: Muscle pain, injury

cyclobenzaprine

Brand: Flexeril

Class: Skeletal muscle relaxant

Treats: Muscle pain, injury