title: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and antihypertensives: how do they relate?
abstract: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are widely available as over-the-counter medications, despite their numerous side effects and drug interactions. The aim of this article is to increase awareness of the hypertensive potential of NSAIDs and their interference with antihypertensives. Patients with hypertension appear to be more susceptible than normotensive individuals to the blood pressure-increasing effect of NSAIDs. Most studies have found that short-term use of NSAIDs does not pose a major risk for hypertension or increase in cardiovascular disease in healthy individuals. The calcium channel blockers and β-blockers seem to be least affected by the concomitant use of NSAIDs. A dentist must weigh the benefits and disadvantages of using NSAIDs in patients taking antihypertensive drugs. For those who may be at greater risk, such as patients with hypertension and the elderly, careful selection of the class of NSAID and close monitoring are appropriate measures, especially if long-term use is anticipated.
authors.affiliation: Faculty Lecturer, Montreal General Hospital, Faculty of Dentistry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
authors.forename: Zovinar Der
authors.initials: ZD
authors.lastname: Khatchadourian
authors.affiliation: Resident, Orofacial Pain Center, College of Dentistry, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA. Electronic address: isabelmorenohay@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Isabel
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Moreno-Hay
authors.affiliation: Professor and Chief, Division of Orofacial Pain, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA.
authors.forename: Reny
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: de Leeuw
mesh_terms: D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004347:Drug Interactions; D006801:Humans; D012307:Risk Factors
chemical_list: D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents