Novel pharmaceutical powder and tablet compositions comprise ibuprofen or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, a pharmaceutically acceptable effervescent couple that produces carbon dioxide in the presence of water, a pharmaceutically acceptable surfactant and a pharmaceutically acceptable water-insoluble hydrophilic polymer. Preferred hydrophilic polymers are microcrystalline cellulose and croscarmellose sodium. Especially preferred are such compositions which have a saccharide dispersed therein. The incorporation of the saccharide, for example sucrose, lactose, dextrose or sorbitol, enhances the stability of the compositions.

Optically pure S(+) flurbiprofen, which is substantially free of the R(-) enantiomer, is a potent analgesic for relieving pain and inflammation in humans and animals. A method and composition is disclosed utilizing the optically pure S(+) enantiomer of flurbiprofen for treating pain and inflammation.

A transdermal drag delivery device involving an acrylate or methacrylate based copolymer, a skin penetration enhancer, a polyvinylpyrrolidone polymer, and a therapeutically effective amount of flurbiprofen.