Cox-2 inhibitors and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in the treatment of pain in the elderly.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are among the most commonly prescribed therapies for acute and chronic pain in the elderly. NSAIDs are effective in treating many disorders, but their use often is limited by toxicities, especially gastrointestinal and renal toxicity. COX-2 inhibitors are a major therapeutic advance, providing the analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity of NSAIDs, with a significant improvement in gastrointestinal safety. These new agents may be ideal therapies for older patients at risk for NSAID-related gastrointestinal toxicity.