Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation for Trochanteric Bursitis Medication
- Author: Patrick M Foye, MD; Chief Editor: Consuelo T Lorenzo, MD more...
Medication Summary
For this musculoskeletal condition, medications are used primarily to decrease pain and inflammation. The most commonly used medications are oral NSAIDs and focal corticosteroid injections; these are employed in conjunction with the rest of the rehabilitation plan.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
Class Summary
Oral NSAIDs can help to decrease pain and inflammation and may be used for several weeks. Various oral NSAIDs can be used. The choice of an NSAID is largely a matter of convenience (how frequently doses must be taken to achieve adequate analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects) and cost.
Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, Nuprin, Rufen)
DOC for mild to moderate pain. Ibuprofen inhibits inflammatory reactions and pain by decreasing prostaglandin synthesis.
Ketoprofen (Oruvail, Orudis, Actron)
For relief of mild to moderate pain and inflammation. Small doses are indicated initially in patients with a small body size, in elderly patients, and in persons with renal or liver disease. Doses >75 mg do not increase the therapeutic effects. Administer high doses with caution and closely observe the patient for response.
Naproxen (Anaprox, Naprelan, Naprosyn)
For relief of mild to moderate pain. Naproxen inhibits inflammatory reactions and pain by decreasing the activity of cyclo-oxygenase, which is responsible for prostaglandin synthesis.
Flurbiprofen (Ansaid)
May inhibit cyclo-oxygenase enzyme, which in turn inhibits prostaglandin biosynthesis. These effects may result in analgesic, antipyretic, and anti-inflammatory activities.
Corticosteroids
Class Summary
In contrast to the widespread systemic distribution of an oral anti-inflammatory drug, a local corticosteroid injection can achieve focal placement of a potent anti-inflammatory agent at the site of maximal tenderness or inflammation. When corticosteroid injections are used, there are a variety of corticosteroid preparations from which to choose. Commonly, the corticosteroid is mixed with a local anesthetic agent prior to injection. Again, there are various local anesthetic agents from which to choose.
Methylprednisolone (Depo-Medrol, Solu-Medrol, Medrol, Adlone)
Used commonly for local injections of bursae or joints to provide a local anti-inflammatory effect while minimizing some of the GI and other risks of systemic medications.
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