Costochondritis Medication

  • Author: Lynn K Flowers, MD, MHA, FACEP; Chief Editor: Barry E Brenner, MD, PhD, FACEP   more...
 
Updated: Apr 13, 2012
 

Medication Summary

The goal of therapy is to reduce inflammation. To accomplish this goal, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are useful.

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Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

Class Summary

These agents are typically used for the relief of mild to moderate pain and inflammation. Although the effects of NSAIDs in the treatment of pain and inflammation tend to be patient specific, ibuprofen usually is the DOC for initial therapy. Other options include flurbiprofen, mefenamic acid, ketoprofen, and naproxen.

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Ibuprofen (Ibuprin, Advil, Motrin)

 

Usually DOC for treatment of mild to moderate pain if no contraindications exist.

Inhibits inflammatory reactions and pain, probably by decreasing the activity of the enzyme cyclooxygenase, which results in inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis.

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Flurbiprofen (Ansaid)

 

Has analgesic, antipyretic, and anti-inflammatory effects. May inhibit cyclooxygenase enzyme, causing inhibition of prostaglandin biosynthesis that, in turn, may result in analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities.

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Ketoprofen (Oruvail, Orudis, Actron)

 

Used for relief of mild to moderate pain and inflammation. Initially, administer small dosages to patients with a small body size, the elderly, and those with renal or liver disease. Doses >75 mg do not increase therapeutic effects. Administer high doses with caution and closely observe patients' responses.

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Naproxen (Anaprox, Naprelan, Naprosyn)

 

Used for relief of mild to moderate pain. Inhibits inflammatory reactions and pain by decreasing the activity of the enzyme cyclooxygenase, which results in a decrease of prostaglandin synthesis.

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Contributor Information and Disclosures
Author

Lynn K Flowers, MD, MHA, FACEP  Physician Partner, ApolloMD, Atlanta, Georgia

Lynn K Flowers, MD, MHA, FACEP is a member of the following medical societies: American College of Emergency Physicians, American Medical Association, National Association of EMS Physicians, and Society for Academic Emergency Medicine

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Specialty Editor Board

William K Chiang, MD  Associate Professor, Department of Emergency Medicine, New York University School of Medicine; Chief of Service, Department of Emergency Medicine, Bellevue Hospital Center

William K Chiang, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Clinical Toxicology, American College of Medical Toxicology, and Society for Academic Emergency Medicine

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD  Adjunct Assistant Professor, University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Pharmacy; Editor-in-Chief, Medscape Drug Reference

Disclosure: Medscape Salary Employment

Gino A Farina, MD, FACEP, FAAEM  Associate Professor of Clinical Emergency Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine; Program Director, Department of Emergency Medicine, Long Island Jewish Medical Center

Gino A Farina, MD, FACEP, FAAEM is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Emergency Medicine, American College of Emergency Physicians, and Society for Academic Emergency Medicine

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

John D Halamka, MD, MS  Associate Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center; Chief Information Officer, CareGroup Healthcare System and Harvard Medical School; Attending Physician, Division of Emergency Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center

John D Halamka, MD, MS is a member of the following medical societies: American College of Emergency Physicians, American Medical Informatics Association, Phi Beta Kappa, and Society for Academic Emergency Medicine

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

Barry E Brenner, MD, PhD, FACEP  Professor of Emergency Medicine, Professor of Internal Medicine, Program Director for Emergency Medicine, Case Medical Center, University Hospitals, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine

Barry E Brenner, MD, PhD, FACEP is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American Academy of Emergency Medicine, American College of Chest Physicians, American College of Emergency Physicians, American College of Physicians, American Heart Association, American Thoracic Society, Arkansas Medical Society, New York Academy of Medicine, New York Academy of Sciences, and Society for Academic Emergency Medicine

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

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