Topical Nonsteroid Anti-Inflamatory Drugs – indications, efficacy and safety

Abstract

Topical Nonsteroid anti-inflammatory drugs are efficient for the treatment of acute and chronic pain in muscu- lo-skeletal diseases. There clinical benefit is similar to the oral form of administration, but with significant less systemic adverse events. There are many forms of topical administration such as gels, cream, spray, patches. The newly topical patch of ibuprofen is an option. The mean level of ibuprofen delivered from the topical patch is consistent with the levels required for therapeutic relief and this dose is much lower that the dose required for oral dosing. Topical nonsteroid anti-inflammatory drugs are a good choice of pain relief for older patients and for patients with cardiovascular and gastrointestinal comorbidities.