The aim of the study was to determine the pharmaceutical availability of various ointment systems containing antirheumatic substances and to establish an optimal system for cutaneous application. Topical application permits elimination or at least reduction of side effects connected with oral administration. Three systems were evaluated: emulsion W/O (ointment), emulsion O/W (cream) and gel, all of them containing diclofenac sodium or indomethacin. The investigated systems are characterized by proper rheological parameters and long physicochemical stability. Studies on diclofenac and indomethacin pharmaceutical availability show a good release of the substances from cream and hydrogel bases, but a very poor release from the ointment base.