The difference between steroidal and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

Steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are two major categories of anti-inflammatory and analgesic medications commonly used in clinical practice, and they differ in several aspects:

1. Drug types: Steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are primarily corticosteroid hormones, such as hydrocortisone acetate and methylprednisolone; NSAIDs include drugs like ibuprofen capsules and diclofenac sodium sustained-release capsules, whose chemical structures do not contain a steroid ring.

2. Mechanism of action: Steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs exert potent anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive, and antiallergic effects by inhibiting the synthesis of inflammatory mediators, reducing vascular permeability, and stabilizing lysosomal membranes. In contrast, NSAIDs primarily inhibit cyclooxygenase to reduce prostaglandin synthesis, thereby achieving anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic effects.

3. Side effects: Long-term use of steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may lead to osteoporosis, hypertension, diabetes, and increased susceptibility to infections. Common side effects of NSAIDs include gastrointestinal discomfort, renal impairment, and cardiovascular events.

4. Indications: Steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are mainly used for treating severe or chronic inflammatory diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, and asthma. NSAIDs are widely used for the management of mild to moderate pain, fever, and various acute inflammatory conditions.

These two classes of drugs differ significantly in terms of drug type, mechanism of action, side effects, and indications. Their clinical application requires appropriate selection based on each patient's specific condition.