What are topical anti-inflammatory painkillers?

Anti-inflammatory painkillers are a group of medicines that are used to ease muscle pains, sprains, strains, and arthritis. They can be taken by mouth (tablets, capsules or liquids), injected, or applied to the skin. When they are applied to the skin they are called topical anti-inflammatory painkillers. Sometimes they are called 'topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs' (NSAIDs), or just 'topical anti-inflammatories'.

Topical anti-inflammatories are available as gels, gel patches, sprays, or foams. They contain an anti-inflammatory medicine such as ibuprofen, diclofenac, felbinac, ketoprofen, or piroxicam and come in various different brand names.

Other creams and ointments are available to ease muscle pains, strains, and sprains - for example, capsaicin. However, this leaflet only discusses topical anti-inflammatory medicines.

For information on anti-inflammatory medicines taken by mouth or injected, see separate leaflet called 'Anti-inflammatory Painkillers'.