Review of the safety of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and selective cyclo-oxygenase-2 inhibitors

Abstract

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are one of the most common classes of medication used worldwide, and as the ageing population increases, the prevalence of painful arthritic conditions parallels this, resulting in the increased use of NSAIDs. Selective and nonselective cyclo-oxygenase inhibitors should be avoided, or at best used for short periods at the lowest possible effective dose, in patients with underlying artherosclerotic coronary disease.