A review of selected newer nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

Development of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) with a goal of improved efficacy and lower toxicity has continued, resulting in the introduction of etodolac, ketorolac, nabumetone and oxaprozin on the market. Each of these agents appears to be as effective as other commonly used NSAIDs in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis. Studies of nabumetone and etodolac show a lower incidence of serious gastrointestinal toxicity with both drugs, but additional large clinical trials are necessary to confirm these findings. Although ketorolac, which is now available in oral form, is an effective analgesic, its long-term use is limited by a high incidence of gastrointestinal toxicity. Oxaprozin is an effective, long-acting anti-inflammatory analgesic, but its comparative advantages remain undefined.