What are inflammation tablets used for?

October 8, 2025 •

4 min read

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are among the most commonly used pain medicines for adults. The central question of what are inflammation tablets used for? can be answered by exploring their primary function: to combat pain, fever, and inflammation stemming from various conditions, from everyday aches to chronic diseases.

Quick Summary

Inflammation tablets, largely nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), are used to manage pain, swelling, and fever caused by conditions like arthritis, injuries, and headaches. They function by blocking specific chemical pathways that trigger the body's inflammatory response.

Key Points

Primary Purpose: Inflammation tablets, largely nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), are used to treat pain, fever, and swelling from a wide range of conditions, including injuries and chronic diseases like arthritis.
Mechanism of Action: They work by blocking cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, which are responsible for producing prostaglandins—the chemicals that cause pain and inflammation.
Common Examples: Over-the-counter NSAIDs include ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), and aspirin, while other formulations and classes, like COX-2 inhibitors (Celebrex), are prescription-only.
Potential Risks: Long-term or high-dose use of NSAIDs can lead to serious side effects, such as stomach ulcers and bleeding, kidney problems, and an increased risk of heart attack or stroke.
Important Considerations: Factors like dosage, duration of use, existing health conditions, and potential drug interactions are critical in determining the safest and most effective anti-inflammatory medication.
Taking with Food: To mitigate common gastrointestinal side effects, many NSAIDs are recommended to be taken with food, milk, or antacids.
Alternatives Exist: For those with contraindications or seeking alternatives, options include acetaminophen, topical pain relievers, corticosteroids, and natural remedies, though efficacy varies.

Understanding Inflammation and Anti-Inflammatory Action

Inflammation is the body's natural response to injury or illness, playing a vital role in the healing process. It causes pain, swelling, and redness, which signal that the body needs time to repair. While essential for healing, chronic or excessive inflammation can lead to significant discomfort and a range of serious health conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and inflammatory bowel disease. Anti-inflammatory tablets work to manage these symptoms.

The primary mechanism of action for most anti-inflammatory tablets, particularly Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), is to block the body's production of hormone-like substances called prostaglandins. These prostaglandins are synthesized by enzymes known as cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, and they are responsible for causing pain, fever, and swelling.

By inhibiting these COX enzymes, NSAIDs reduce the levels of prostaglandins, thereby mitigating the inflammatory response. There are two main types of COX enzymes, COX-1 and COX-2.

COX-1 enzymes: These are involved in regulating normal cellular functions, including protecting the stomach lining and promoting blood clotting.
COX-2 enzymes: These are primarily produced at sites of injury and inflammation.

Non-selective NSAIDs block both COX-1 and COX-2, while a newer class of drugs, known as COX-2 inhibitors, selectively blocks only the COX-2 enzyme. This selective action can help reduce some side effects associated with inhibiting COX-1.

Primary Uses of Inflammation Tablets

Inflammation tablets are effective for a wide variety of conditions, addressing both acute (short-term) and chronic (long-term) issues. Some of the most common uses include:

Musculoskeletal Pain and Injuries: This includes conditions like arthritis, sprains, strains, tendonitis, and bursitis. NSAIDs can significantly reduce the pain and swelling associated with these issues, providing relief and improving mobility.
Arthritis: Inflammation tablets are a key component of treatment plans for both osteoarthritis and inflammatory types of arthritis, like rheumatoid arthritis. They help manage chronic pain, stiffness, and joint swelling.
Menstrual Cramps: For many individuals, NSAIDs are a highly effective treatment for the pain and discomfort of menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea).
Headaches and Migraines: Over-the-counter NSAIDs are commonly used to relieve headaches, while stronger, prescription-strength options may be used to manage migraine attacks.
Fever: Many NSAIDs also have antipyretic (fever-reducing) properties, making them useful for lowering high temperatures associated with illnesses like the flu or common cold.
Toothaches: After dental procedures or due to other issues, NSAIDs can help manage pain and swelling in the mouth.

Risks, Precautions, and Side Effects

While generally safe for short-term, directed use, inflammation tablets carry potential risks and side effects, especially with long-term or high-dose usage. It is crucial to be aware of these before taking medication.

Gastrointestinal Side Effects

One of the most well-known risks is the potential for gastrointestinal (GI) issues. By inhibiting COX-1, traditional NSAIDs can interfere with the protective lining of the stomach. This can lead to:

Stomach pain
Heartburn
Nausea
Stomach bleeding or ulcers

To minimize these risks, it is often recommended to take NSAIDs with food.

Cardiovascular Risks

NSAIDs, other than low-dose aspirin for specific heart conditions, have been linked to an increased risk of heart attack and stroke, especially with high doses or long-term use. Individuals with a history of cardiovascular problems should consult a healthcare provider before use.

Kidney Problems

NSAIDs can cause kidney problems or fluid retention, particularly in those with pre-existing kidney disease or other risk factors. It's important to monitor kidney function with long-term use.

Drug Interactions

Inflammation tablets can interact with other medications, including blood thinners, corticosteroids, and certain antidepressants. Always inform a doctor about all current medications before starting NSAID therapy.

Comparison of Common Inflammation Tablets


Feature	Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)	Naproxen (Aleve)	Celecoxib (Celebrex)	Aspirin (Bayer)
Drug Class	Non-selective NSAID	Non-selective NSAID	COX-2 Inhibitor	Non-selective NSAID
Action	Inhibits COX-1 and COX-2	Inhibits COX-1 and COX-2	Inhibits COX-2	Inhibits COX-1 and COX-2
Duration	Shorter; typically taken every 4-6 hours	Longer; typically taken every 8-12 hours	Longer; often taken once or twice daily	Varies based on dose; daily low-dose for heart health
Stomach Risk	Moderate; potential for ulcers and bleeding	Moderate; potential for ulcers and bleeding	Lower risk than traditional NSAIDs	High; highest risk of GI bleeding
Heart Risk	Potential for increased risk of heart attack/stroke	Potential for increased risk of heart attack/stroke	Potential for increased risk of heart attack/stroke	Can be used at low doses to prevent heart events, but increases bleeding risk
Key Use Case	Acute pain, fever, swelling (short-term)	Longer-lasting relief for pain and swelling	Chronic inflammatory conditions, less GI risk	Heart attack/stroke prevention at low doses; pain relief at higher doses

Alternatives to Traditional NSAIDs

For individuals unable to take or tolerate NSAIDs, several alternatives can help manage pain and inflammation:

Acetaminophen (Tylenol): This pain reliever reduces pain and fever but does not have significant anti-inflammatory effects. It is often safer for those with stomach or kidney issues.
Corticosteroids: Powerful anti-inflammatory drugs like prednisone suppress the immune system and can be taken orally or by injection for severe inflammation.
Immunosuppressants and Biologics: For chronic inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, targeted therapies that suppress the immune response are often used.
Topical Treatments: Creams and gels containing anti-inflammatory ingredients can provide localized relief with fewer systemic side effects.
Herbal Remedies: Some natural supplements, such as turmeric and ginger, have anti-inflammatory properties, though effectiveness varies.

Conclusion

Inflammation tablets, predominantly NSAIDs, are widely used for their effectiveness in reducing pain, fever, and swelling. They work by inhibiting key enzymes that produce pro-inflammatory chemicals in the body, providing significant relief for conditions ranging from arthritis and headaches to acute sprains and strains. However, their use requires careful consideration of potential side effects, particularly concerning the gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and renal systems. Patients should always consult a healthcare professional to determine the most appropriate treatment based on their individual health profile and to ensure safe usage. Understanding the different types of NSAIDs and available alternatives is essential for effective and responsible pain and inflammation management. For further reading on NSAIDs and their effects, resources like the Cleveland Clinic offer extensive information.(https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/11086-non-steroidal-anti-inflammatory-medicines-nsaids)

Frequently Asked Questions

NSAIDs are a class of medications that reduce pain, fever, and inflammation by blocking specific enzymes in the body. They are a common type of inflammation tablet and include over-the-counter options like ibuprofen and naproxen, as well as prescription versions.

Inflammation tablets work by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins, which are chemicals the body produces that cause swelling, pain, and fever. By blocking the enzymes (COX-1 and COX-2) that create these prostaglandins, NSAIDs effectively reduce the inflammatory response.

Both ibuprofen and naproxen are non-selective NSAIDs, but they differ primarily in how long they last in the body. Ibuprofen provides shorter-acting relief and is typically taken every 4-6 hours, while naproxen is longer-acting and dosed less frequently, often every 8-12 hours.

Common side effects include stomach pain, nausea, heartburn, and gas. More serious risks, particularly with long-term use, can include stomach bleeding, ulcers, kidney problems, fluid retention, and an increased risk of cardiovascular events.

Individuals with a history of stomach ulcers, kidney or liver problems, certain heart conditions, or advanced pregnancy should avoid or use NSAIDs with extreme caution. They should always consult a healthcare provider for safe alternatives.

It is generally unsafe to combine NSAIDs or to mix them with other anti-inflammatory drugs, as this can increase the risk of side effects like stomach bleeding. Consult a healthcare provider before combining any medications.

While effective for managing chronic pain conditions like arthritis, NSAIDs are often used as part of a broader treatment plan. Due to potential long-term side effects, healthcare providers typically recommend the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration necessary.

A COX-2 inhibitor, such as celecoxib (Celebrex), is a type of NSAID that selectively blocks only the COX-2 enzyme. This targeted action typically results in a lower risk of gastrointestinal side effects compared to traditional NSAIDs, which block both COX-1 and COX-2.