Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs course



This session describes the pharmacology of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and their clinical uses as analgesics.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this session you will be able to:
- Describe the production of prostaglandins in inflammation
- Outline the mechanism of action of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
- Explain common side-effects associated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug use
- List common routes of administration of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
Recent work has revealed that the side-effect profile of NSAIDs is significant, particularly within the cardiovascular system. Therefore, to use these drugs safely, clinicians must be aware of the clinical status of the patient when prescribing these drugs.
It is important that you understand how NSAIDs work and how the side-effects occur, so you can anticipate and maybe prevent potential side-effects.


Emma Graham-Clarke is a consultant pharmacist working in critical care.
She has been associated with her Trust’s pain team since the mid 90’s, when she used to provide the syringes and epidural bags used by the acute pain team. Later she moved into the Department of Anaesthetics and found that her office was opposite that of the pain team, who continued to use her as a source of information.
She would like to spend her spare time in her garden, but finds that she ends up retrieving for her husband, who is hot-air balloon pilot in his spare time. This has taken them both to many countries, representing Great Britain in international competitions.
Emma is a content author for the e-PAIN project.

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