Recategorization of Non-Aspirin Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs According to Clinical Relevance: Abandoning the Traditional NSAID Terminology

Abstract

Non-aspirin nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are frequently used to treat pain, fever, and inflammation. Historically, NSAIDs have been categorized as traditional NSAIDs and newer cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 inhibitors (coxibs). However, traditional NSAIDs also inhibit the COX-1 and COX-2 enzyme isoforms to a varying degree. This diversity of COX-1 and COX-2 selectivity within the class of traditional NSAIDs has proven clinically important, with evidence accumulating on the cardiovascular risks associated with selective COX-2 inhibition. Thus, the relative COX-2 selectivity of traditional NSAIDs correlates with their cardiovascular risk profile, being more favourable for non-selective NSAIDs, such as naproxen and low-dose ibuprofen, and less favourable for more COX-2 selective agents, such as diclofenac. To enhance clinically relevant terminology, we advocate categorizing all non-aspirin NSAIDs—including traditional NSAIDs—according to their relative COX-1 and COX-2 selectivity as either COX-1 inhibitors, non-selective NSAIDs, or COX-2 inhibitors. We further recommend subcategorizing COX-2 inhibitors as newer COX-2 inhibitors (coxibs) or older COX-2 inhibitors. Finally, we recommend examining the effects of the individual NSAIDs included in each of the proposed categories. Adhering to these recommendations will align future studies, advance interpretation of COX-specific adverse cardiovascular effects, and provide better guidance to clinicians prescribing NSAIDs.