Anti-inflammatory medications - nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

Depletions

Taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may deplete iron.

Your body needs iron for blood to carry oxygen to your organs and tissues.

Low levels of iron can cause anemia. Symptoms of anemia because of iron deficiency include:

• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Dizziness
• Lightheadedness
• Shortness of breath
• Pale skin
• Irregular heartbeat

Low levels of iron may also cause:

• Pain and swelling of the tongue
• Weakened immune system
• Poor growth
• Reduced performance at work

Taking sulindac may deplete vitamin B9.

Low levels of folic acid in the body may be linked to:

• Anemia
• Heart disease
• Birth defects

Symptoms may include:

• Weakness
• Mouth sores
• Swollen tongue
• Depression
• Poor growth

Taking diflunisal may deplete vitamin C.

Low levels of vitamin C in your body cause a condition called scurvy. Some common symptoms are:

• Soft, bleeding gums
• Injuries that are slow to heal
• Weakened immune system
• Fatigue
• Weight loss
• Loose teeth
• Muscle weakness
• Pain in bones and muscles
• Anemia

Taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs except diflunisal may deplete sodium.

Sodium deficiency is rare because it is widely available in dietary sources. When it does occur, low levels have been associated with:

• Weakness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Headache
• Confusion
• Memory impairment
• Reduced attention
• Muscle cramps
• Strong, rapid or irregular heartbeat
• Lack of energy
• Restlessness

Severe cases can cause seizures, loss of consciousness, and possibly coma. The development of symptoms depends on how fast you lose sodium.

Editorial Note

The information presented here covers some of the nutrients that may be affected when you take certain medicines. If you have any of these signs and symptoms, it does not always mean you have low levels of these nutrients.

Factors that affect the level of nutrients are:

• Your medical history
• Diet
• Lifestyle
• How long you have been taking the medicine

Please talk to your health care provider. They can best address your health care needs and see if you are at risk for low levels of any nutrients.

Supporting Research

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