Aspirin and NSAIDs
Posted date : Nov 6, 2017.
Dear Bird Talk,
In the summer edition, there was some confusion about NSAIDs in pills. NSAID stands for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. NSAID is used as an adjective that helps to describe a drug; it is not something that can be added or taken away. The three main groups of NSAIDs are aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen, which are sold over the counter in most countries. Aspirin is an NSAID. “Aspirin” is acetylsalicylic acid – buy that as a house brand, whether or not it says aspirin, and you’ll be fine. If you need Motrin, Nurofen, Advil or Nuprin, remember these are based on Ibuprofen – I just look for generic Ibuprofen, sometimes at the dollar stores as well as for house brands in drug stores. Naproxen is another NSAID that is the basis for a number of brand-name pain pills that may be available as low-cost generics.
By the way, if you would like a cost-effective antihistamine similar to Chlor-Tripolon for allergies, try Novo-Pheniram (Chlorpheniramine Maleate DIN 00021288); ask for it behind the counter at a pharmacist in Canada. It’s about 10 cents a pill and half of one may work for you as it does for me.
Murray Charlton
Burlington, ON
Response:
The key point in this discussion is that Aspirin IS acetylsalicylic acid and 81 mg of this is the same, but in a generic or non-Bayer name form. The antihistamine suggestion is interesting, but I would check with my doctor before trying it to make sure that it does not interfere with other medication which you may be taking.
