Recently Approved Alternatives to Aspirin

Abstract

Antiinflammatory analgesics recently approved by the FDA for use in the United States are evaluated and compared with aspirin and other older agents. The drugs discussed are propionic acid derivatives, tolmetin, and sulindac. Indications, dosages, efficacy, side effects, cost, precautions, and interactions are discussed. The propionic acid derivatives and tolmetin are structurally different from older drugs and provide new alternatives in the treatment of inflammatory disease and pain. Of these new agents, naproxen appears to be first choice. Sulindac is the result of efforts to improve indomethacin. It possesses a longer duration of action, and it appears to cause fewer side effects.