Abstract

RODRIGUEZ ALCALA, Francisco Javier. Evidence for the use of topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Rev Clin Med Fam [online]. 2013, vol.6, n.3, pp.152-159. ISSN 2386-8201.  https://dx.doi.org/10.4321/S1699-695X2013000300006.

Objective: To analyse the efficiency of  topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in patients suffering from acute and chronic osteomuscular pain. Method: Analysis of available evidence. Literature search (september 2013) in Medline/PubMed, WOK and Cochrane Library. Key words: "NSAIDs", "topical administration", "acute pain", "chronic pain". Results and conclusions: Nine systematic reviews and four meta-analyses were analysed, with the following conclusions: •Topical NSAIDs afforded analgesia by the same acting mechanism as  oral NSAIDs, but their effective activity takes place mainly at the site of application, and systematic exposure to the NSAID is substantially lower than with oral NSAIDs. •Top level evidence exists to recommend the use of some topical NSAIDs in the treatment of mild or moderate acute osteomuscular pain (contusions, sprains and twists) for one week. •Top level evidence exists to recommend the use of some topical NSAIDs in the treatment of local chronic osteomuscular pain in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee and of the hand for limited periods of time (2-8 weeks). •There is insufficient evidence to recommend its use for lumbago, widespread pain or osteoarthritis of the hip. •Topical NSAIDs for which there is more extensive and better evidence are ibuprofen, Ketoprofen and especially diclofenac.

Keywords : NSAID; topical administration; acute pain; chronic pain.

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