NSAIDs Comparison: Which One Works Best for Pain and Inflammation?

When you reach for a pain reliever, you’re probably choosing from a group of drugs called NSAIDs, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs used to reduce pain, fever, and swelling. Also known as non-narcotic painkillers, they’re the go-to for headaches, muscle aches, arthritis, and menstrual cramps — but not all NSAIDs are the same. Some work faster. Others last longer. Some are safer for your stomach. Some aren’t safe at all if you have heart problems. Knowing the difference isn’t just helpful — it can keep you out of the hospital.

Take ibuprofen, a common over-the-counter NSAID often used for short-term pain and fever. It’s cheap, fast-acting, and works well for mild to moderate pain. But if you take it every day for weeks, your risk of stomach ulcers goes up. Then there’s naproxen, a longer-lasting NSAID often prescribed for chronic conditions like osteoarthritis. It doesn’t need to be taken as often, but it sticks around in your system longer, which means more chance of kidney stress or high blood pressure. celecoxib, a COX-2 inhibitor designed to reduce stomach irritation, is an option if your stomach can’t handle regular NSAIDs — but it’s not safe if you have a history of heart attack or stroke. And don’t forget aspirin, the original NSAID, used for pain but also for its blood-thinning effects in heart patients. It’s not ideal for everyday pain unless your doctor says so.

What you’re looking for isn’t just the strongest NSAID — it’s the one that matches your body, your condition, and your risk factors. Someone with kidney issues might avoid naproxen. Someone with acid reflux might skip ibuprofen. Someone with arthritis might need daily dosing, which makes celecoxib worth the extra cost. The posts below break down real comparisons: how these drugs stack up in effectiveness, how long they last, what side effects you’re actually likely to get, and who should avoid them entirely. You’ll see direct comparisons between the most common options, backed by real-world use, not just theory. No fluff. Just what you need to pick the right one — and avoid the ones that could hurt you.