Using Nonsteroidal Medication for Pain Management

NSAIDs remain some of the most useful yet misunderstood medicines in modern healthcare. This session unpacks how to select and use nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs safely and effectively, balancing their benefits against potential gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, renal, and hepatic risks. Drawing on insights from the Australian Prescriber Podcast, participants will explore evidence-based strategies to individualise NSAID therapy, minimise harm, and enhance pain management outcomes across clinical settings.
CPD HOURS: 1
 Registration Year 2025/2026

Course Content

INSAIDs are among the most frequently prescribed, and frequently misunderstood, medicines in healthcare. Despite their proven benefits in pain and inflammation, concerns about gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, renal, and hepatic risks often limit their appropriate use. This session explores the practicalities of selecting, prescribing, and administering NSAIDs safely and effectively in the Australian clinical context.

Drawing on insights from The Australian Prescriber Podcast, this session helps nurses and other clinicians move beyond blanket caution to nuanced, evidence-based decision-making. You’ll revisit the role of NSAIDs in common conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis; understand the clinical rationale behind COX-2 selective agents; and explore strategies for mitigating risk without compromising patient comfort or care outcomes.

Through practical examples, case discussion, and clear clinical reasoning, you’ll learn how to individualise NSAID therapy—considering renal function, gastrointestinal protection, cardiovascular status, hepatic health, and pregnancy or lactation safety. By the end of the session, you’ll feel confident explaining, monitoring, and advocating for safe NSAID use in practice.

Why this Session may be Relevant to your Work

This knowledge is highly relevant to my work as a nurse because NSAIDs are among the most commonly used medications in clinical practice, and nurses play a central role in their safe administration, monitoring, and patient education. 

Learning Outcomes

In this session, you will:
  • Explain the pharmacological role and therapeutic indications of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in managing mild to moderate pain, particularly where inflammation is a contributing factor.
  • Evaluate the comparative risks and benefits of different NSAID types (non-selective vs COX-2 selective) in relation to gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, renal, and hepatic safety profiles.
  • Apply clinical reasoning to individualise NSAID therapy based on patient-specific factors such as age, comorbidities, pregnancy, and concurrent medications.
  • Communicate safe-use principles and patient education regarding NSAID administration, including appropriate duration, co-prescription considerations (e.g., PPIs), and use in pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Australian Prescriber

The Australian Prescriber Podcast provides a regular dive into some of the many great articles that Australian Prescriber publishes every two months.

In each episode, one of our hosts will chat with an author from a recent issue of Australian Prescriber.