Non-selective NSAIDs
Drug Safety Update
June 2023: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): potential risks following prolonged use after 20 weeks of pregnancy
January 2015: Oral diclofenac no longer available without prescription
December 2014: Diclofenac: new contraindications and warnings
June 2015: High-dose ibuprofen (≥2400mg/day): small increase in cardiovascular risk
December 2014: NSAIDs and coxibs: balancing of cardiovascular and gastrointestinal risks
December 2014: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): cardiovascular risks
December 2014: Topical ketoprofen: reminder on risk of photo-sensitivity reactions
December 2014: Ketoprofen and ketorolac: gastrointestinal risk
December 2014: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): reminder on renal failure and impairment
Risk/benefit: the main differences between NSAIDs are in the incidence and severity of gastrointestinal and other side effects. As the incidence of adverse effects is high, the risk/benefit ratio should always be considered before initiating therapy.
ALWAYS USE THE LOWEST EFFECTIVE DOSE AND THE SHORTEST DURATION OF TREATMENT NECESSARY TO CONTROL SYMPTOMS.
Diclofenac,ibuprofen and ketorolac are licensed for postoperative pain. They are all classified under "Hospital only" use for this indication
| Pack |
|---|
| 24 tablet |
| 48 tablet (4 x 12 tablets) |
| 84 tablet |
| Pack |
|---|
| 24 tablet |
| 48 tablet (4 x 12 tablets) |
| 84 tablet (7 x 12 tablets) |
| Pack |
|---|
| 100 ml |
| 150 ml |
| 500 ml |
| Pack |
|---|
| 10 bottle |
| 1 bottle |
| Pack |
|---|
| 20 bag |
| Pack |
|---|
| 28 tablet (2 x 14 tablets) |
| 56 tablet (4 x 14 tablets) |
| Pack |
|---|
| 56 tablet (4 x 14 tablets) |
| Pack |
|---|
| 56 tablet |
| Pack |
|---|
| 28 tablet (2 x 14 tablets) |
| 56 tablet (4 x 14 tablets) |
| Pack |
|---|
| 56 tablet (4 x 14 tablets) |
| Pack |
|---|
| 100 ml |
| Pack |
|---|
| 28 tablet (2 x 14 tablets) |
| 84 tablet |
| Pack |
|---|
| 28 tablet |
| 84 tablet (6 x 14 tablets) |
| Pack |
|---|
| 28 tablet (2 x 14 tablets) |
| Pack |
|---|
| 28 tablet (2 x 14 tablets) |
| Pack |
|---|
| 10 suppository |
| Pack |
|---|
| 10 suppository |
| Pack |
|---|
| 10 suppository |
| Pack |
|---|
| 10 suppository |
| Pack |
|---|
| 5 ampoule |
| Pack |
|---|
| 10 ampoule |
Indometacin is often used in the treatment of gout and it is licensed for the treatment of dysmenorrhoea. It is also available as suppositories.
| Pack |
|---|
| 28 capsule (4 x 7 capsules) |
| Pack |
|---|
| 28 capsule |
| 100 capsule |
| 90 capsule |
| 84 capsule |
| Pack |
|---|
| 10 suppository (2 x 5 suppositories) |
Mefenamic acid is often used to relieve pain in dysmenorrhoea
| Pack |
|---|
| 100 capsule |
| Pack |
|---|
| 28 tablet (2 x 14 tablets) |
| 84 tablet |
Only to be used for swallowing difficulties where there is no other suitable formulation
| Pack |
|---|
| 125 ml |
| Pack |
|---|
| 60 capsule |
| 56 capsule |
| 30 capsule |
| Pack |
|---|
| 28 capsule |
| 30 capsule |
- On Formulary Preferred
- On Formulary Second Line
- On Formulary Third Line
- Specialist Initiation
- Secondary Care Only
- Not Approved for Formulary