Osteoarthritis Pharmaceuticals
Oste
Oarthritis can be managed with medication, but it is intractable at this time. The underlying pathology can be managed with medications that alleviate the symptoms. These can help improve the patient’s quality of life by increasing the functionality and vitality of the OA-affected joints. The two major classes of OA medications are:
Analgesic agents
Analgesics are pain medications. They constitute the first course of treatment because joint pain is the predominant symptom in these patients. The most commonly used agent in this class is acetaminophen. It also has anti-inflammatory and antipyretic properties.
Acetaminophen (paracetamol or Tylenol) is a pain-mediator inhibiting agent. With the inhibition of the pathway, the patient’s symptoms are alleviated, permitting joint mobility and enabling the patient to perform tasks previously limited by osteoarthritis pain. This inhibition of inflammatory mediators does not occur at other locations, such as the digestive tract. This reduces the adverse effects of the drug. It is an FDA-approved medication that is available over-the-counter in various formulations, including oral pills, injectables, and syrups, among others. An overdose of acetaminophen may cause uncommon but possible adverse effects. Aside from that, there are no significant allergic reactions to the drug. Among the adverse effects:
decrease in blood sugar
kidney disease
The condition known as thrombocytopenia
Liver disease.
Synonyms: opioids
The pain caused by the progressive deterioration of osteoarthritis exceeds the analgesic effect of acetaminophen. In such instances, a combination of acetaminophen and analgesics is utilized. The dosage and frequency of these narcotic and addictive substances must be closely monitored. Opioids have been shown to be chondrotoxic by recent research, but they are still prescribed for pain relief. The possible adverse effects include:
Possibility of maltreatment
Addictive disorder
Chronic constipation
enhanced sleep
External agents
These pain-relieving medications are gels or oils that are administered directly to aching joints. Patients who cannot tolerate the side effects of medications like NSAIDs may opt for these. These preparations contain either capsaicin, which is also present in red peppers, or methyl salicylate as the active ingredient. Diclofenac is an NSAID that can be applied topically and is produced in gel form.
NSAIDs
Now let’s discuss the most commonly prescribed medications for OA: nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines. As the name suggests, these play an anti-inflammatory function. The progressive bone deformity could cause harm to the joints, surrounding tendons, and bursa, which are controlled by these. In addition, they inhibit the inflammatory mediators by inhibiting the enzymes COX-1 and COX-2. However, COX- 2 is found not only in bones and joints, but also in other parts of the body, where its inhibition results in some very significant adverse effects, such as:
GI symptoms, such as abdominal pain, can cause erosion and ulcers.
vomiting and diarrhea
a painful headache
a feeling of dizziness
Aspirin allergy in some patients
However, NSAIDs prescribed by a physician are the most effective treatment option available.
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