Feb. 24, 2012 – While widely used, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) appear to present a real danger to health. Among the best known are aspirin, Advil®, Antadys®, Ibuprofen® or even Voltarene®, drugs that are often prescribed.

This class of anti-inflammatory drugs is thought to be potentially harmful to the heart and kidneys. Indeed, NSAIDs have been held responsible for:

• Cardiovascular disorders

To calm the pain, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs inhibit the action of two enzymes (= protein allowing a biochemical action) called COX-1 and COX-2.

Blocking COX-2 by NSAIDs prevents blood clotting and the synthesis of thromboxanes, hormones with a vasoconstrictor role, thus increasing blood pressure and cardiovascular risks.

• Ulcers and bleeding in the digestive tract

COX-1 allows the formation of prostaglandins, metabolites produced in the spleen, kidney and heart. Inhibition of COX-1 by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs then prevents it from protecting the digestive tract, and could thus cause a peptic ulcer.

• Insuffisance rénale

This inhibition of COX-1 would also promote renal failure by limiting the perfusion of the kidney.

In general, it is the elderly who are most concerned by these risks, because their renal function decreases, a paradox, when we know that anti-inflammatory drugs are widely prescribed to relieve pain associated with osteoarthritis.

Anaïs Lhôte – PasseportSanté.net

Source: Your medications, Philippe moser