Significance of non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs treatment becomes more pronounced due to population ageing because these drugs are used by the elderly very frequently. The causes of the increased adverse effects of non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs in old age (e.g decreased pro- duction and effectivness of prostaglandins, decreased nitrogen oxide production and decreased pain sensation) are analysed. New explanation of the the action are discussed too. Some new potential indications (e.g. Alzheimer disease, tumor prevention and modification of cellular im- munity impairment caused by ageing) are reviewed.

        Key words: Drug therapy - Ageing - Non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs - Andverse drug effects.