What is topical ibuprofen?
A. Topical ibuprofen is used for 2 purposes; to help reduce inflammation below the skin surface and alleviate nerve pain such as muscular and joint pain, spasms, neck and low back pain, and pain associated with strain or injury. When ibuprofen is applied to the skin (topical application) it is absorbed through the skin into the underlying tissues, where it reduces pain and inflammation in the local area. NSAID’s (non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen) administered as cream, quickly penetrate through the outer layer (of the skin) at the application site and reach highly effective concentrations deep in the tissue such as tendons, ligaments, and muscles. It is estimated that as much as 95% reach the target area. Blood levels of topical NSAIDs are extremely low with no systemic side effects. By contrast, oral NSAIDs lead to high blood levels but a lower concentration at the targeted site of pain and are estiamted to be less than 5% in the soft tissue.
