What Is The “Safest” Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs?

Abstract

Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) which are widely used in clinical practice are also very well-known for their various adverse reactions. Each NSAID has its own unique safety profile and selecting an appropriate NSAID must be individualized for each patient based on his or her medical needs and risk factors. We reviewed literatures on NSAIDs, focusing on their adverse reaction profile. We reviewed and compared the incidence of adverse reaction from individual NSAIDs according to organ systems. This review includes both selective COX-2 inhibitors and non-selective NSAIDs. Based on the most up-to-date evidence, ibuprofen appears to be the preferred NSAIDs based on its favorable GI and nephrotoxicity profiles. Naproxen might be considered in patients who have greater cardiac risk. Celecoxib, at the dose of less than or equal to 200 mg day^-1, might be an option in the patients who are at high risk for GI bleeding.