Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID) Therapy
To avoid the risks of COX-2 inhibitors, our pharmacy can compound topically applied NSAIDs such as ibuprofen and ketoprofen. Topical NSAIDs have a safety profile which is superior to oral formulations. Topical NSAID administration offers the advantage of local, enhanced delivery to painful sites with a reduced incidence of systemic adverse effects.
Topical preparations can be customized to contain a combination of medications to meet the specific needs of each patient.
Topical NSAIDs for Acute & Chronic Pain
Topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs have a lower incidence of gastrointestinal adverse effects than the same drugs when they are taken orally. The low incidence of systemic adverse effects for topical NSAIDs probably results from the much lower plasma concentration from similar doses applied topically to those administered orally. Topical application of ibuprofen resulted in measurable tissue concentrations in deep tissue compartments, more than enough to inhibit inflammatory enzymes. Topical NSAIDs have not been associated with renal failure.
BMJ. 1995 Jul 1;311(6996):22-6
The following article concluded: “topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are effective in relieving pain in acute and chronic conditions.”
The following article reports “the systemic concentrations of ketoprofen have also been found to be 100 fold lower compared to tissue concentrations below the application site in patients undergoing knee joint surgery. Topically applied ketoprofen thus provides high local concentration below the site of application but lower systemic exposure.”