Nimesulide, a balanced drug for the treatment of osteoarthritis.

World-wide experience with nimesulide confirms that it is an effective anti-inflammatory drug in the treatment of osteoarthritis. A review of several studies in this condition confirms that nimesulide is at least as efficacious as other commonly used compounds. The safety profile of nimesulide, compared to reference drugs such as naproxen, etodolac and diclofenac, demonstrates superior gastrointestinal tolerability. Nimesulide is therefore a good choice for the long-term treatment of OA.