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Home Formulary 10.0 Musculoskeletal and Joint Diseases 10.3 Drugs used for the treatment of soft-tissue disorders and topical pain relief 10.3.2 Rubefacients, topical NSAIDs, capsaicin, and poultices

10.3.2 Rubefacients, topical NSAIDs, capsaicin, and poultices

ChoiceDrug
1st choiceIbuprofen 5% gel

Prescribing Notes

  • Topical NSAIDs may be considered as additional pain relief for people with knee or hand osteoarthritis. Topical NSAIDs should be considered before oral NSAIDs.
  • All topical NSAIDS are considered equally efficacious.
  • Patients should be advised against excessive exposure to sunlight of area treated in order to avoid possibility of photosensitivity.
  • The evidence available does not support the use of topical rubefacients in acute or chronic musculoskeletal pain.
  • Kaolin poultices are not recommended for prescribing on the NHS.

 

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