What it means
A drug that relieves mild to moderate pain without acting on opioid receptors. The main ones are acetaminophenuh-see-tuh-MIN-uh-fenA drug that relieves mild to moderate pain and lowers fever.Full entry and the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugnon-STAIR-oy-dul an-tee-in-FLAM-uh-tor-ee DRUGA drug that relieves pain, fever and inflammation and is not a steroid, such as ibuprofen or naproxen.non- notanti- againstinflamm/o inflammationFull entry , such as ibuprofeneye-byoo-PROH-fenA drug that eases pain, fever and inflammation; a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug.Full entry , naproxen, aspirin and ketorolac. Each has a highest dose beyond which more drug gives no more relief, only more side effects. They are often combined with opioids so that less opioid is needed.
For the nurse
Teach clients to keep acetaminophen within the daily limit, counting every product that contains it. NSAIDs can cause stomach bleeding and kidney injury, so give them with food and ask about stomach ulcers, kidney disease and anticoagulants.
At a glance
| Drug class | nonopioid analgesic |
|---|---|
| Also written | nonopioid analgesics, non-opioid analgesic, non-opioid analgesics |
Related terms
opioid analgesic
A strong drug that relieves moderate to severe pain by acting on the brain and spinal cord.
analgesic
A drug that relieves pain.
ibuprofen
A drug that eases pain, fever and inflammation; a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug.
acetaminophen
A drug that relieves mild to moderate pain and lowers fever.