OBJECTIVES: Evaluate the clinical and economic benefits of ibuprofen IV ready-to-use solutions in treating postoperative pain versus other NSAIDs.

METHODS: Were analyzed the daily treatment costs of each NSAID (ketoprofen 300mg/day, tenoxicam 40mg/day, ketorolac 60mg/day) and ibuprofen IV ready-to-use solution 1.200mg/day; cost of opioid consumption for multimodal analgesia; cost intended to address the adverse effects caused by each NSAIDs; consumption of inputs and labor. All the outcomes were based on bibliographic reviews and Brazilian official price lists (2022 USD values).

RESULTS: Based on the cost of daily consumption of drugs, supplies, labor, opioids, and medication to minimize adverse events, the customary charge for using each of the NSAIDs was: $ 311,68 with the use of ibuprofen, $ 418,35 (ketoprofen), $ 338,33 (tenoxicam) e $ 393,39 (ketorolac). Although the price of ibuprofen IV ready-to-use is higher (when analyzing the drug's price separately), there is a saving when analyzing the entire hospital treatment. The cost of ibuprofen IV ready-to-use versus other NSAIDs, we have a savings of 25% versus ketoprofen, 8% versus tenoxicam, and 21% versus ketorolac.

CONCLUSIONS: With more economic savings/cost-benefit, the ready-to-use use of ibuprofen can reach $14,98, or 25% of using other NSAIDs. In addition, it reduces the consumption of inputs, labor, length of stay, opioid reduction, and opioid consumption-related events. With savings of $110.87/day compared to other NSAIDs, ready-to-use ibuprofen provided the most cost-effective treatment of post-surgical pain. Meanwhile, ketoprofen was the most expensive. The most appropriate treatment can reduce the likelihood of complications from adverse effects and the length of hospital stay—consequently, better hospital financial results and better patient quality of life.