A NSAID is a non-steroidal antiinflammatory drug and a steroid indeed contains steroids. But with NSAIDS comes the added risk of internal bleeding, melena, and other potential adverse effects. Even though they may be more effective, most patients prefer not to use them due to the adverse side effects. Steroids have a proven history of usage, they just may take longer to take full effect but with much less adverse side effects than NSAIDS,
2007-09-14 18:39:35
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answer #1
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answered by Spanky 2
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Both are well known for their anti-inflammatory effects. I am sure you know what a steroid is. Glucocorticoids such as prednisone, dexamethasone, and hydrocortisone are some of those steroids. While NSAID (Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) as its name implies does not contain a steroid. Diclofenac sodium, aspirin, ibuprofen, mefenamic acid, ketoprofen,indomethacin are some of the NSAID.
To understand how both works:
The body has enzyme called cyclooxygenase (Cox) which produces prostaglandins. These prostaglandins promote inflammation, pain, and fever.
Steroids are medicines with very strong anti-inflammatory effects which can reduce any inflammation. Glucocorticoids have the best anti-inflammatory activity among them.The glucocorticoids interfere with the actual synthesis of the inflammatory cyclooxygenase (Cox) that is produced thus production of prostaglandin will be altered. Thus steroids suppress inflammation and pain because they suppress the body’s response to injury.
NSAID are involved in the body’s response to injury, particularly the inflammatory response which is largely responsible for pain.To minimize the amount of prostaglandins in the body, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) are given to block the production of enzyme Cox. So by taking NSAID, inflammation, pain and fever will be minimized.
In general steroids, bring a lot of side effects. Suppression of the immune system is one of them. Steroids can also stunt the height of growing adolescents, masculinize women, and alter sex characteristics of men. Anabolic steroids can lead to premature heart attacks, strokes, liver tumors, kidney failure,etc.
To avoid those side effects NSAID are used to attain the same function with lesser side effects. Side effects of NSAID however are not absolutely safe as well. While steroids are known to produce only stomach ulcers, the NSAID group of drugs can produce severe ulcers and perforations of the small intestines.
One difference on their side effects is one of the effects in the respiratory system. The NSAID group of drugs like aspirin and beta-blockers can precipitate bronchial asthma or bronchial spasm, while steroids are used for treating them.
In conclusion, the difference between the two are the following:
>>the active ingredients (steroids and non-steroid)
>>steroids interfere with the actual synthesis of Cox while NSAID block the production of Cox.
>>the other differences would lie on the side effects.
2007-09-14 20:25:26
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answer #2
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answered by ♥ lani s 7
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and NSAID is a non- sterioidal anti-inflammetroy drug. Some people cannot take a steroid for different reasons, Glaucoma, blood pressure, or counter actions due to different meds. I recommend the Merk Manual. Or the latest PDR, Physicians Desk Reference. Both can be equally effective. The books and the drugs. try this web site.
2007-09-14 18:38:21
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answer #3
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answered by BeezKneez 3
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NSAIDS are simply non -steroidal anti-inflammatory agents
that are basicaly used in pain, inflammation and fever.but Steroids have wide variety of application in mecicine because of their chemical structure consisting of cyclopentanophenanthrene nucleus.
2007-09-14 20:42:45
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answer #4
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answered by vartika g 1
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NSAIDS are Non Steroid Anti Inflamitories.
They are also used to treat pain, and fever.
AKA. Motrin [Ibuprofen], Tylenol [acetophenomin [spelling?]
Steroids are.. anti inflamitories, treat swellin pain..ect.
Steriods are basically some times used as last resports because of the side effects, Im not sure if perhaps you mean anabolic steriods or not but since your comparing them to NSAIDS i doubt it.
Steroids are common treatment for allergies also, its in eye drops, nasal sprays, and oral pills.
Hope that answered your question =]
2007-09-14 18:45:26
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answer #5
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answered by Jessica G 2
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