According to our text on page 335, NSAIDs are described to be nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. This means that they are used to combat inflammation and reduce pain. Examples of these drugs include Naproxen (Aleve), Aspirin, and Ibuprofen (Motrin).

I found an article outlining the major differences between NSAIDs and Acetaminophen. One of the key differences that I noted from this article was that both medication helps to relieve pain and reduce fevers, but only NSAIDs could reduce inflammation (Harvard Health, 2015).

Acetaminophen can best treat ailments such as headaches and muscle aches. According to the National Library of Medicine, acetaminophen can also help to reduce fevers (Acetaminophen, 2014). The medication acetaminophen belongs to a class of medications called analgesics (pain relievers) and antipyretics (fever reducers).

Naproxen best treats aches, fevers, and inflammation or swelling. Some key reasons to use the NSAID naproxen would be conditions like arthritis, bursitis, and muscle aches. The page on the National Library of Medicine for Naproxen, the medication “works by stopping the body’s production of a substance that causes pain, fever, and inflammation” (Naproxen, 2014).

Aspirin belongs to the class of medications known as salicylates. This class of medications work to stop the production of that cause fever, pain, swelling, and blood clots. The National Library of Medicine also has a page for information on aspirin. The article mentions that aspirin best works to reduce fever, aid in the prevention of heart attack, and is used to relieve the symptoms of arthritis (Aspirin, 2016).

The National Library of Medicine lists information for the final medication of this discussion, as well. Ibuprofen is listed as a member of the NSAID class of medications, just like Naproxen. As it is similar to the other members of this class, Ibuprofen works to reduce inflammation, pain, and fever. Some common ailments that could be treated with Ibuprofen include: headaches, muscle aches, arthritis, menstrual pain, and fever (Ibuprofen, 2016).

References

Harvard Health Publications. (2015). 11 things you should know about common pain relievers – Harvard Health. Retrieved October 17, 2016, from http://www.health.harvard.edu/pain/12-things-you-should-know-about-pain-relievers

National Library of Medicine. (2014). Acetaminophen. Retrieved October 17, 2016, from https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a681004.html#why

National Library of Medicine. (2016). Aspirin. Retrieved October 17, 2016, from https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682878.html

National Library of Medicine. (2016). Ibuprofen. Retrieved October 17, 2016, from https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682159.html

National Library of Medicine. (2014). Naproxen. Retrieved October 17, 2016, from https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a681029.htm