A review of the benefits and risks of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in the management of mild-to-moderate osteoarthritis

Table 1 Commercially available nonprescription NSAIDs

Generic drug name	Principal brand name in United States	OTC dosage	Maximum OTC daily dosage^a
Salicylates
Aspirin	Anacin^®, Bayer aspirin^®, Ecotrin^®, Bufferin^®, St Joseph^® aspirin	650–1000 mg q4-6h	4000 mg
Propionic acid derivatives
Ibuprofen	Advil^®, Midol^®, Motrin^®, Nuprin^®	200–400 mg q4-6h	1200 mg^b
Naproxen	Aleve^®	220 mg q8-12h^b	660 mg^b
Para-aminophenols
Acetaminophen	Tylenol^® (plus many combination products)	650–1000 mg q4-6h	4000 mg^b

NSAIDs = nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs; OTC = over-the-counter.
^aAdministered over a 10-day period.
^bPersons aged ≥60 years should check with a physician prior to taking any medication.