[Intramuscular injections in rheumatology: risks and opportunities]

The parenteral use of non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs has been shown, in pharmacokinetic studies, to have two advantages: more rapid action relative to oral or rectal routes due to a more prompt achievement of maximum serum concentrations; greater efficacy due to the achievement, with the same dosage, of higher serum concentrations than after rectal or oral administration. Among the side-effects, general disorders do not seem more prevalent than after oral or rectal doses. Local side-effects should be prevented by a careful technique and the use of non-irritating compounds.