Rehabilitation for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury Medication
- Author: Tarek O Souryal, MD; Chief Editor: Consuelo T Lorenzo, MD more...
Medication Summary
The goal of pharmacotherapy is to reduce morbidity.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
Class Summary
These agents have analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic activities. Their mechanism of action is not known, but they may inhibit cyclooxygenase activity and prostaglandin synthesis. Other mechanisms may exist as well, such as inhibition of leukotriene synthesis, lysosomal enzyme release, lipoxygenase activity, neutrophil aggregation, and various cell-membrane functions.
Ibuprofen (Motrin, Ibuprin)
DOC for patients with mild to moderate pain. Inhibits inflammatory reactions and pain by decreasing prostaglandin synthesis.
Narcotics
Class Summary
Pain control is essential to quality patient care. If nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are not sufficient, then narcotics may be given. Analgesics ensure patient comfort, promote pulmonary toilet, and have sedating properties, which are beneficial to patients who have sustained trauma or injuries.
Acetaminophen and codeine (Tylenol #3)
Indicated for the treatment of mild to moderate pain.
COX-2 inhibitors
Class Summary
These drugs can be used as an alternative if the patient has GI upset or a history of GI bleeding with NSAID use. Because of the cost, these medications are not always a first-line choice.
Celecoxib (Celebrex)
Inhibits primarily COX-2. COX-2 is considered an inducible isoenzyme, being induced during pain and inflammatory stimuli. Inhibition of COX-1 may contribute to NSAID GI toxicity. At therapeutic concentrations, COX-1 isoenzyme is not inhibited; thus, GI toxicity may be decreased. Seek the lowest dose of celecoxib for each patient.
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