Safety Considerations in Prescription of NSAIDs for Musculoskeletal Pain: A Narrative Review

Publication date: Available online 30 June 2018Source: PM&RAuthor(s): Katie M. Hatt, Anita Vijapura, Ian Maitin, Ernesto CruzAbstract:Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are frequently prescribed for the treatment of painful musculoskeletal conditions. When prescribing oral NSAIDs, clinicians must consider coexisting cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, gastrointestinal and renal disease as oral NSAIDs are associated with a broad spectrum of adverse effects on these systems. The varying safety profiles of NSAIDs can be attributed to differences in the extent to which the drug inhibits cyclooxygenase (COX)-1 versus COX-2 and their potential for drug-drug interactions. This narrative review intends to guide the clinician in prescribing oral NSAIDs while taking into consideration these comorbid conditions and drug interactions.
Source: PMandR - Category: Rehabilitation Source Type: research