Definition

Noun 1. A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug: A type of medication used to reduce inflammation, pain, and fever. Unlike corticosteroids, NSAIDs do not contain steroids. They work by inhibiting enzymes called cyclooxygenases (COX-1 and COX-2).

Usage

• General Use: The term "NSAID" is used to classify and refer to a common category of pain-relief and anti-inflammatory medicines.
• Medical Context: It is frequently used by healthcare professionals and in medical literature when discussing treatment options, mechanisms of action, or side effects.

Examples

• "Ibuprofen and aspirin are common over-the-counter NSAIDs."
• "The doctor prescribed an NSAID to reduce the swelling in my knee."
• "Long-term use of some NSAIDs may increase the risk of stomach issues."

Advanced Usage

• "COX-2 selective NSAID": A specific subclass of NSAIDs designed to target the COX-2 enzyme more precisely, with the aim of reducing certain side effects associated with traditional NSAIDs.
  • Example: "Celecoxib is a COX-2 selective NSAID."

Variants and Related Words

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug: The full, unabbreviated form of "NSAID".
• NSAIDs: The standard plural form.

Synonyms

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory
• Anti-inflammatory analgesic (in specific contexts)

Notes on Meaning

• Core Meaning: The term specifically and exclusively refers to pharmaceutical drugs with this defined mechanism and purpose. It is not a general term for any pain reliever (e.g., acetaminophen/paracetamol is not an NSAID).
• Abbreviation: "NSAID" is an acronym. It is almost always used in its abbreviated form rather than the full phrase "nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug".

Noun

1. an anti-inflammatory drug that does not contain steroids
   • NSAIDs inhibit the activity of both Cox-1 and Cox-2 enzymes