Comparison of pharmaceutical properties of topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug preparations on quality of life.

To compare the effects of different pharmaceutical properties of commercially available topical nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) on the quality of life, we administered a questionnaire to 65 healthy volunteers. We investigated five creams, five gels, and four solutions of topical NSAID preparations in this study. The survey was conducted to clarify the relationship of their answers and pharmaceutical properties of the topical NSAID preparations. Questions addressed spreadability, smell, viscosity, and comfort level of the topical NSAID preparations. Among the five creams, Napageln had lower spreadability, less smell, and greater viscosity than the other preparations. Because of its easy spreadability, weak smell, and low viscosity, the volunteers favored Sector cream among the cream preparations. Among the five gel preparations, Inteban had less spreadability, stronger smell, and higher viscosity than the other preparations. The volunteers favored Epatec over the other gel preparations. All four solutions had the odor of menthol and other artificial ingredients, except for Napageln. These findings indicate that information on the pharmaceutical properties of commercially available topical NSAID preparations will be helpful to physicians and pharmacists in conducting medical treatment and prescribing.