When used properly over brief periods of time, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) rarely produce serious side effects. However, long-term usage or larger doses of NSAIDs increase the potential risk of side effects.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) estimates that 10,000 to 20,000 deaths occur each year as a result of NSAID-induced gastrointestinal disorders (usually bleeding). NSAIDs are the number one cause of drug-related hospitalizations.

Potential side effects of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) include:

• Upset stomach or nausea
• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhea
• Bloating
• Heartburn
• Unusual bleeding (e.g., nosebleeds, irregular/heavy menstruation)
• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Sensitivity to sunlight
• Ringing in the ears (tinnitus) or reduced hearing
• Stuffy nose or runny nose
• Sleeplessness
• Skin rashes
• Fluid retention, leading to swollen feet, ankles, legs or hands
• Painful urination (dysuria)
• Unusual weight gain

Signs and symptoms of a more severe reaction include:

• Difficulty breathing
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing
• Irregular breathing
• Irregular heartbeat
• Tightness in the chest or throat
• Choking
• Hives on the face, eyelids, mouth, lips or tongue
• Swelling around the eyes
• Dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting
• Bloody stools
• High blood pressure
• Migraines
• Stomach ulcers (with long-term use)
• Kidney or liver problems

Some side effects occur when the patient first begins taking NSAIDs and then diminish after the patient has been taking the medication for several days. In addition, the severity of some side effects can be reduced by taking the medication with food or by choosing enteric-coated medications that do not release the NSAID into the bloodstream until it has passed through the stomach. Lowering the dosage can also be effective. Patients may also lower the risk of gastrointestinal side effects by taking over-the-counter antacids.

Mild to moderate reactions to NSAIDs may progress rapidly to more severe reactions. Therefore, people having any kind of strong reaction should seek immediate medical attention to prevent anaphylactic shock.