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If these medications help you manage chronic pain, aim to take the lowest effective dose for the shortest time possible, and follow up closely with your doctor. Older adults may be at higher risk of common COX-2 side effects compared with younger adults. These medications may cause side effects, such as headaches and dizziness, and can lead to kidney problems, fluid retention and high blood pressure. COX-2 inhibitors, on the other hand, help keep the stomach protected by acting only on COX-2 enzymes, allowing COX-1 to function normally.Īlthough the risk of stomach bleeding is generally lower if you take a COX-2 inhibitor instead of an NSAID, bleeding can still occur, especially at higher doses. NSAIDs, which block COX-1, can cause side effects such as stomach pain and bleeding. COX-1 enzymes help protect the lining of your stomach. A COX-2 inhibitor blocks only the COX-2 enzyme - the one that's more likely to cause pain and inflammation.īenefits and risks. COX-2 inhibitors, another type of NSAID, work slightly differently from traditional NSAIDs. Acetaminophen is not as effective as NSAIDs for the treatment of knee and hip pain related to osteoarthritis. Ask your doctor for guidance about other medications to avoid while taking acetaminophen. Acetaminophen is generally a safe option to try first for many types of pain, including chronic pain. However, taking more than the recommended dose - or taking acetaminophen with alcohol - increases your risk of kidney damage and liver failure over time. Acetaminophen is generally considered safer than other nonopioid pain relievers because it doesn't cause side effects such as stomach pain and bleeding.
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Acetaminophen doesn't affect the other two cyclooxygenase enzymes, and it doesn't target inflammation - only pain. Some scientists believe there may be a third type of cyclooxygenase, COX-3, that acetaminophen blocks. Doctors don't know exactly how acetaminophen works. Exceeding the recommended dose may not relieve your pain and may increase your risk of serious side effects. This means that beyond a certain dosage, they don't provide additional benefit. Bear in mind that NSAIDs also have a ceiling effect - a limit as to how much pain they can control. If you regularly take NSAIDs, talk to your doctor so that he or she can monitor you for possible side effects. Risk of these conditions increases with age and in the presence of other health problems, including diabetes, a history of stomach ulcers or reflux, and kidney disease. Large doses of NSAIDs can also lead to kidney problems, fluid retention and high blood pressure. But if you take more than the recommended dosage - and sometimes even just the recommended dosage - NSAIDs may cause nausea, stomach pain, stomach bleeding or ulcers. When taken as directed, NSAIDs are generally safe. By blocking the different types of cyclooxygenase (COX) - including COX-1 and COX-2 - NSAIDs can help reduce pain and inflammation that result from an injury. NSAIDs work by inhibiting certain enzymes in your body, called cyclooxygenase, that are released during tissue damage. Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) naproxen sodium (Aleve) others
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