The inhibitory effect of some non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) on bone resorption is well documented. To explore the effect of NSAIDs on bone formation, we investigated the time course and dose/response characteristics of treatment with various non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) on ectopic bone formation induced by demineralized bone matrix (DBM) in the rat model. Using biochemical assays, both inhibitory and stimulatory effects on bone formation were found in rats treated with NSAIDs prior to DBM implantation depending on the type and amount of drug administered. There appears to be an enhancement of bone formation for acetaminophen (50 mg/kg), acetylsalicylic acid (50 mg/kg), and ibuprofen (50 mg/kg). Indomethacin (4 mg/kg) and piroxicam (4 mg/kg) had inhibitory effects. Flurbiprofen, on the other hand, did not appear to affect bone formation significantly. In contrast, there was no effect of NSAIDs on bone formation in rats treated with the drugs after implantation of the DBM. It appears that the time course of the drug administration is critical, suggesting that early events in bone formation may be modulated by arachidonic acid meta