When are Salicylates Prescribed to Treat Arthritis?

Salicylates are a subset of the NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) used to treat arthritis pain and inflammation. Salicylates are divided into two categories, acetylated and nonacetylated. Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid or ASA) is an acetylated salicylate. Nonacetylated salicylates include:

• salsalate (Disalcid, Amigesic, Salflex)
• choline magnesium trisalicylate (Trilisate, Tricosal)
• magnesium salicylate tetrahydrate (Doan's Pills, Novasal, Mobidin)

When are salicylates prescribed to treat arthritis? Do salicylates carry the same cardiovascular risk as nonselective NSAIDs and COX-2 selective inhibitors? Are the nonselective NSAIDs and COX-2 selective inhibitors more commonly prescribed than salicylates? Rheumatologist Scott J. Zashin, M.D. answers our Questions About Salicylates.

• The Facts of NSAIDs
• Guide To Arthritis Pain
• 10 Ways To Increase Your Pain
• Inflammation: The Battle Within

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