Abstract:Objective: To compare the efficacy and safety of acetaminophen, diclofenac, meloxicam and ibuprofen in treating osteoarthritis(OA) patients. Methods: A multi center, randomized, case control study was adopted. Acetaminophen group(n=30) took 1300mg, bid; diclofenac group(n=30) 25mg tid; meloxicam group(n=30) 7.5mg qd and ibuprofen group (n=30) 300mg bid. The total course of treatment was 4 weeks. Results: The efficacy of acetaminophen, diclofenac, meloxicam and ibuprofen was 73.33%, 76.67%, 76.67% and 70.00% respectively and there is no significant difference ( P <0.05). The quality of life scores evaluated by SF 36 were significantly improved ( P <0.05). There is no significant difference in adverse drug reactions in 4 groups, but the liver function was affected, especially in 3 NSAIDs treating groups. Conclusion: The symptoms and quality of life scores were significantly improved in 4 groups. But all drugs affect the liver function, so attention should be paid to patients, with long term drug use.