NSAID Effects

• When the body is affected by pain or inflammation, NSAIDs do their job. Inflammation is how our bodies respond to illness or injury. You may notice pain, redness, swelling or warmth at the area of injury. This inflammation causes the production of certain hormones (prostaglandins), which, in turn, trigger the release of enzymes in the brain. NSAIDs work by inhibiting these enzymes to reduce pain, fever, and swelling.
  
  

Potassium Role

• Humans need potassium in their bodies for healthy functioning of the heart and other muscles, as well as the kidneys. Fruits, like bananas, and vegetables, like tomatoes and avocados, are good sources of potassium. Potassium can also be obtained in multivitamins, or as a supplement prescribed by a physician. Hyperkalimia is the name for the condition of too much potassium in the blood, and hypokalimia is the name of the opposite condition, or too little potassium. The amount of potassium in our bodies is regulated by the amount of sodium and magnesium there.
  
  

NSAIDS with Potassium

• There are two commonly listed NSAIDs that have potassium as an active ingredient. Daypro Alta, a tablet-form NSAID, is oxaprozin potassium. The chemical formula for oxaprozin potassium is C18H14NO3K, the K representing potassium. Cataflam, in immediate-release tablet form, is Diclofenac Potassium. The chemical formula for diclofenac potassium is C14H10Cl2NKO2.
  
  

Inactive Ingredients

• There are two NSAIDs that have potassium listed as an inactive ingredient. The first is Trilisate, a choline magnesium trisalicylate, that includes potassium sorbate as a preservative. The second is Daypro (as opposed to Daypro Alta, listed above), oxaprozin caplets, which includes polacrilin potassium as an agent to help the drug dissolve.
  
  

Warning

• NSAIDs are very commonly used medications, both as over-the-counter drugs and by prescription. It is important to note that these and many other medications can have serious side effects such as increased risk of myocardial infarction or gastrointestinal problems, and should only be taken under the supervision of a physician.