Joint Pain Relief Medications
Joint pain can be caused by a number of factors, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, injury and overuse. There are a variety of medications used to treat joint pain, some of which are available over-the-counter and others by prescription. Each carries its own risks and benefits that must be weighed carefully by doctor and patient to avoid unwanted side effects.
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Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs
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NSAIDs, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, are a popular choice for joint pain relief. They work by reducing production of pain-inducing chemicals called prostaglandins and easing inflammation in the body. Drugs in this class include ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin and ketoprofen.
Over-the-counter NSAIDs are particularly effective in treating the inflammation-related pain of rheumatoid arthritis, but they are also recommended as a pain management option for osteoarthritis and inflammatory arthropathies. Side effects may include stomach upset, thinning of the blood and dyspepsia. According to medicinenet.com, prolonged use or high doses of NSAIDs can cause more serious effects, such as stomach bleeding, heart attack and kidney failure.
Cox-2 Inhibitors
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Cox-2 inhibitors are a more selective member of the NSAID family that work by blocking Cox-2 enzyme production in the body. They generally cause fewer gastrointestinal side effects than the less selective over-the-counter NSAIDs due to a lack of Cox-2 enzymes in the gastrointestinal tract. Drugs in this class include Celebrex, Vioxx and Bextra, though only Celebrex is available in the United States.
Side effects of Cox-2 inhibitors are similar to those of non-prescription NSAIDs and include gas, upset stomach and diarrhea. Serious effects have been reported and include increased risk of heart attack and stroke, ulcer perforation and death, leading to the withdrawal of both Vioxx and Bextra from the U.S. market in 2004. -
Opiates and Opioids
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Opiates are drugs derived from the opium poppy that work by directly affecting the central nervous system and acting on the pain centers in the brain and spine. Morphine, hydrocodone, codeine and oxycodone fall in this category.
Because of their highly addictive nature, opiates are generally reserved for pain that doesn't respond to other treatments. They are often used as a post-operative painkiller for joint surgeries and to treat the severe pain associated with advanced arthritis and gout.
Acetaminophen
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Acetaminophen is one of the most commonly used medications for joint pain. It goes by the brand name of Tylenol but is present in a variety of preparations.
Acetaminophen works by raising the pain threshold in areas of the brain responsible for pain perception. The most serious danger associated with acetaminophen is the risk of liver damage when taken in high doses or with alcohol. When taken as directed, the incidence of side effects is generally low.
Topical Pain Medications
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In addition to oral medications, there are a variety of topical preparations designed to treat joint pain associated with arthritis. Bengay, Icy Hot and Tiger Balm are among the most popular medications in this class.
The active ingredients in most topical pain relievers is methyl salicylate, a drug similar to aspirin. Capsaicin---a compound derived from cayenne peppers---is another common active ingredient in many over-the-counter pain ointments, such as Capsaicin HP.
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