Adverse Effects and Drug Interactions of the Non‐Steroidal Anti‐Inflammatory Drugs

The aim of this chapter is to increase the awareness of health‐care professionals concerning potential adverse effects and drug interactions of non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which are among the most widely prescribed medicines, globally. They have a variety of clinical applications due to their anti‐inflammatory, analgesic, antipyretic, or antithrombotic effect, but these drugs are not entirely innocuous, since they could increase the risk of gastrointestinal and cardiovascular complications. Furthermore, the drugs from this class have the potential of altering the pharmacokinetics of associated drugs, and also pharmacodynamic interactions have been reported. The clinical significance, mechanisms, and epidemiology of the adverse effects and drug interactions of NSAIDs are presented in this chapter. Prevention strategies for particularly high‐risk groups of patients are also exposed. Detailed and up‐to‐date information regarding the adverse effects and drug interactions of NSAIDs are needed for all healthcare professionals in order to maximize efficacy in treating various illnesses while minimizing the risks for the patients