Safety of Oral and Topical Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are frequently used to manage mild to moderate pain. While limited use is appropriate for many patients, there are safety concerns with use in certain patient populations or with long-term use of these agents. Topical NSAIDs may provide analgesic benefits while decreasing the overall risks of adverse effects. This article will review safety information for both oral and topical NSAIDs.