Topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
Date Added:
October 3, 2023
Journal/Publication:
CMAJ
Publisher:
CMA
Publication Date:
September 18, 2023
Issue:
36
Volume:
195
Type:
Meta-analyses, Reviews, and Guidelines
Format:
Article
DOI (1):
10.1503/cmaj.230578
PMID (1):
37722741
Abstract
Topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) provide local analgesia and anti-inflammatory effects with minimal systemic uptake
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs inhibit the cyclooxygenase enzyme, reducing inflammation and pain. Compared with oral formulations, topical NSAIDs work locally, with systemic uptake limited to around 5%.1 High-quality evidence supports the analgesic role of several topical NSAIDs, including diclofenac and ketoprofen.1 Salicylate-containing rubefacients are excluded from this discussion given their distinct mechanism of action.
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RPR Commentary
A concise review of the evidence supporting the effectiveness and safety of topical NSAIDS. James W. Mold, MD, MPH