NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) are found in almost every medicine cabinet in America and are so numerous in drugstores that they warrent their own aisle. People use NSAIDs for headaches, muscle pain, menstral cramps and other every day aches and pains.
People with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) also experience aches and pains. Many experience pain on a daily basis due to related conditions such as arthritis, or drug side effects such as headaches. However, many gastroenterologists recommend that their IBD patients stay away from NSAIDs. The reason is because NSAIDs are known to have an adverse effect on Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
Even in people without IBD, NSAIDs can contribute to ulcers in both the stomach and the first part of the small intestine (duodenum). NSAIDs can cause inflammation and worsen bleeding in the small intestine. They can even knock some people with IBD out of remission.
People with IBD should consult with their gastroenterologist before taking NSAIDs, even those available over the counter. It is also extremely important to make all members of a healthcare team aware of the effect NSAIDs have on IBD.
There is some good news for those who have IBD and are looking for over the counter pain relief. Acetaminophen, sold under many brand names including Tylenol, is not an NSAID and may be safe for people with IBD.
Below is a table of NSAIDs available by prescription or over the counter. This is by no means an exhaustive list, so please consult a pharmacist for concerns about specific drugs.
| Brand Name | Generic Name |
| Advil, Excedrin IB, Genpril, Haltran, Ibuprin, Ibuprohm, Ibu-Tab, Midrin 200, Medipren, Midol IB, Motrin, Nuprin, Pamprin-IB, Rufen, Trendar | Ibuprofen |
| Aleve, Anaprox, Naprosyn | Naproxen Sodium |
| Amigesic, Anaflex 750, Marthritic, Mono-Gesic, Salflex, Salsitab, Disalcid | Salsalate |
| Anacin, Bayer, Bufferin, Ecotrin | Choline salicylate |
| Ansaid, Froben | Flurbiprofen Oral |
| Apo-Keto, Orudis, Oruvail, Rhodis | Ketoprofen |
| Apo-Sulin, Clinoril, Novo-Sundac | Sulindac |
| Aspergum, Genuine Bayer, Bayer Childrens, Bufferin, Easprin, Ecotrin, Empirin, Genprin, Halfprin, Magnaprin, ZORprin | Aspirin |
| Butazolidin | Phenylbutazone |
| Cataflam, Voltaren | Diclofenac Systemic |
| DayPro | Oxaprozin |
| Dolobid | Diflunisal |
| Feldene, Novo-Pirocam, Nu-Pirox | Piroxicam |
| Indocin SR, Indocid, Novo-Methacin | Indomethacin |
| Lodine | Etodolac |
| Meclomen | Meclofenamate Sodium |
| Mobic | Meloxicam |
| Nalfon | Fenoprofen Calcium |
| Ponstan, Ponstel | Meclofenamin acid |
| Relafen | Nabumetone |
| Tolectin | Tolmetin Sodium |
