Anti-Inflamatory Drugs

Anti-inflammatory drugs are medications used to reduce inflammation, which is the body’s response to injury, infection, or irritation. Inflammation can cause symptoms like redness, swelling, pain, and heat. These drugs are commonly used to treat conditions such as arthritis, muscle injuries, allergies, and autoimmune diseases.

Uses of Anti-Inflamatory Drugs

Chronic Conditions: Anti-inflammatory drugs are commonly used in the management of chronic inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, lupus, and inflammatory bowel diseases.

Acute Inflammation: They are also used for short-term treatment of acute inflammation due to injuries, infections, or allergic reactions.

Combination Therapy: Sometimes, anti-inflammatory drugs are used in combination with other medications to enhance their effects or reduce the dosage needed.

Side Effects

Gastrointestinal Issues: NSAIDs are notorious for causing stomach ulcers, bleeding, and gastrointestinal discomfort.

Cardiovascular Risks: Some NSAIDs, particularly COX-2 inhibitors like celecoxib, can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Immune Suppression: Corticosteroids and biologics can suppress the immune system, increasing the risk of infections.

Bone and Muscle Effects: Long-term use of corticosteroids can lead to osteoporosis, muscle weakness, and other systemic effects.

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Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

NSAIDs work by inhibiting the cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes (COX-1 and COX-2), which play a key role in the synthesis of prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are lipid compounds that promote inflammation, pain, and fever.

Corticosteroids

Corticosteroids mimic the effects of hormones produced by the adrenal glands. They reduce inflammation by suppressing the immune system, decreasing the production of inflammatory chemicals, and inhibiting the movement of white blood cells to inflamed areas.

Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs

DMARDs work by altering the underlying processes of inflammatory diseases rather than just treating symptoms. They are commonly used in autoimmune diseases to slow down disease progression.