Understanding Medicines with Pharm Chula: How to Use Anti-Inflammatory Drugs Correctly
Monday, July 21, 2025, 1:24 PM
When patients seek anti-inflammatory medication, misunderstandings often occur. For example, a person presenting with fever, sore throat, runny nose, and green phlegm may request an "anti-inflammatory drug," expecting an antibiotic or antimicrobial agent. Some may even bring a sample pill (source unknown) to request the same medication.
In another scenario, a person experiencing muscle soreness from heavy exercise may ask for a “muscle anti-inflammatory” without specifying a drug. If there are no contraindications, this may lead to receiving a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), such as ibuprofen or celecoxib.
What Does “Anti-Inflammatory” Really Mean?
Inflammation is the body’s natural response to injury, infection, or irritation. It's an immune mechanism that helps protect and repair tissues. When inflammation occurs, immune cells and chemicals are sent to the affected area to fight off pathogens (bacteria, viruses), irritants, or damaged tissue, and then initiate healing. Symptoms of acute inflammation include pain, swelling, redness, and warmth. Inflammation may stem from infection or tissue/muscle injury.
Many people incorrectly refer to antibiotics as anti-inflammatory drugs, which can lead to inappropriate usage. Taking antibiotics for non-infectious inflammation not only fails to treat the condition but also increases the risk of allergic reactions and antimicrobial resistance.
Conversely, using NSAIDs to treat infection-induced inflammation won’t eliminate the pathogen and may worsen the infection. Both antibiotics and NSAIDs are commonly associated with adverse drug reactions and side effects. Let’s explore how to use both drug groups safely and appropriately.
Safe Use of Antibiotics
- Use only when necessary and under medical indication. Always consult a doctor or pharmacist first.
- Complete the full course of medication as prescribed, even if symptoms improve. Stopping early may leave surviving bacteria that develop resistance, making future infections harder to treat.
- Take the medication on time to maintain effective blood levels for fighting the infection.
- Inform your doctor or pharmacist of any history of antibiotic allergies (e.g., penicillin, sulfa drugs) and disclose any chronic conditions or concurrent medications to prevent drug interactions.
- Store antibiotics in a dry place away from sunlight. Follow label instructions carefully; some liquid antibiotics may require refrigeration.
Safe Use of NSAIDs
- Use the correct dose as directed on the label. Do not increase the dose on your own, as this raises the risk of side effects without improving efficacy. Avoid long-term use unless prescribed.
- Take with or immediately after meals to reduce gastrointestinal irritation, which is a common side effect of NSAIDs.
- Use only when necessary and under medical supervision. NSAIDs can cause stomach ulcers, gastrointestinal bleeding, or even perforation. Symptoms include stomach pain, heartburn, nausea, vomiting blood, or black stools.
- NSAIDs may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and can impair kidney function, potentially leading to acute kidney failure. At-risk individuals include the elderly, those with chronic kidney disease, heart disease, or dehydration. Use with extreme caution under a physician’s care.
- Always inform healthcare providers of any drug allergies, chronic illnesses (especially gastric, kidney, or heart conditions, and high blood pressure), and other medications you’re taking. Pregnant or breastfeeding women must consult a doctor or pharmacist before use.
In conclusion: Anti-inflammatory drugs can cause serious complications if used incorrectly. Always consult a pharmacist or physician to ensure safe and effective medication use.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Natthada Areepian, RPh
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bodin Tiwsoowan, RPh
Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University
