Table 3

Comparison of oral and topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for osteoarthritis

Oral

Topical

Efficacy

More potent

Less potent

Tolerability

Moderate-Poor

Moderate-Good

Common side effects

Upper gastrointestinal symptoms and bleed, ulcer; worsening renal function

Skin irritation

Felson Arthritis Research & Therapy 2009 11:203   doi:10.1186/ar2531