A patient who experiences GI upset from NSAIDs could safely use which analgesic option?

A patient who experiences GI upset from NSAIDs could safely use which analgesic option?

• A. Naproxen (Aleve)
• B. Celecoxib (Celebrex)
• C. Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
• D. Acetylsalicylic Acid (Aspirin)

Answer: (C)

GI upset from NSAIDs happens because these drugs inhibit COX enzymes, which lowers protective prostaglandins in the stomach lining and can lead to irritation, ulcers, or bleeding. Acetaminophen is not an NSAID, so it doesn’t disrupt those protective prostaglandins in the stomach to the same extent. It provides analgesia and fever relief without the gastric irritant effect typical of NSAIDs. However, be mindful of liver toxicity with acetaminophen at high doses or in people with liver disease or heavy alcohol use. The other options are NSAIDs (or NSAID-like), which still carry GI risk or other side effects, so acetaminophen is the safer choice for someone with GI upset from NSAIDs.

GI upset from NSAIDs happens because these drugs inhibit COX enzymes, which lowers protective prostaglandins in the stomach lining and can lead to irritation, ulcers, or bleeding. Acetaminophen is not an NSAID, so it doesn’t disrupt those protective prostaglandins in the stomach to the same extent. It provides analgesia and fever relief without the gastric irritant effect typical of NSAIDs. However, be mindful of liver toxicity with acetaminophen at high doses or in people with liver disease or heavy alcohol use. The other options are NSAIDs (or NSAID-like), which still carry GI risk or other side effects, so acetaminophen is the safer choice for someone with GI upset from NSAIDs.