Which Anti-inflammatory?

Over the past ten years clinicians have been stampeded by the introduction of newer non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. These drugs share analgesic, antipyretic and, most importantly, clinical anti-inflammatory activity and are therefore useful in treating rheumatic diseases. These medications often have less frequent adverse reactions than aspirin and offer alternatives to patients who are intolerant to the more conventional NSAID. The authors review some of the principles which determine choice of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, list some specifics on each of the currently available medications, and recommend drugs of choice in a number of specific rheumatic processes.