NSAIDs. Are there any differences?

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are one of the most widely prescribed groups of medication in the United States. While the selection of the most appropriate NSAID should be based on therapeutic efficacy, adverse reaction profile, concurrent therapy, simplicity of dosage regimen, patient acceptance and compliance, cost, and the specific patient's medical profile, prescribing habits are often not based on specific guidelines. The choice of NSAID is further complicated by the wide variety of available agents; over 20 NSAIDs are presently available to the primary care physician. None of the NSAIDs is best for all of the criteria that are considered when selecting an NSAID; therefore, the physician needs to be able to determine which agent provides the desired benefits while outweighing the potential risks. This article provides a rational approach to prescribing NSAIDs in the primary health care setting.