Problems and pitfalls in providing acute and short-term pain relief with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents

NSAIDs are extremely versatile and effective analgesics and anti-inflammatory agents that are generally very safe to use in young, healthy adults. However, physicians should be aware of those patients who are at greater risk of toxicity from their use and avoid or modify NSAID treatment in these individuals. Certain newer NSAIDs seem to offer lower gastric or renal toxicity and might be preferable in high-risk patients.