Methodology: 100 prescription duplicates collected and analyzed prospectively for the pattern of NSAID prescription for arthritic and non-arthritic conditions: - the drug, formulation, route, frequency, duration of administration, and concomitant medications.

Results: NSAID (Non Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs) were prescribed for osteoarthritis (20%), rheumatoid arthritis (3%), non-traumatic musculoskeletal pain (30%), post-traumatic conditions (27%), post-operative pain (9%), ankylosing spondylitis (4%), degenerative diseases of the spine (6%) and neuralgia (1%). The NSAIDs commonly prescribed were aceclofenac (43%), etodolac (25%), diclofenac (15%), etoricoxib (12%), and ibuprofen (5%). Fixed dose combinations (FDCs) of NSAIDs with adjuvants were prescribed in 66% subjects; the adjuvants included paracetamol (57.14%), serratiopeptidase (25.97%), chlorzoxazone (13%) and thiocolchicoside (3.89%). Oral formulations of NSAIDs were prescribed in all the patients, supplemented by topical formulations as gel/creams in 10% of the subjects. The dosing frequency was BID (68%), OD (25%), TID (1%) and SOS (6%), and the duration of administration ranged from 5-15 days. Other classes of drugs used concomitantly were PPIs (Proton Pump Inhibitors), calcium supplements, multivitamins, antimicrobials, immunosuppressants and glucosamine.

Conclusion: NSAIDs were prescribed empirically for various arthritic and non-arthritic conditions, frequently as FDCs with various adjuvants, as per the standard guidelines. However patient information was inadequate in most of the prescriptions. Proper patient assessment deemed necessary for individualizing NSAID use.