Medication Summary
Short-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) is acceptable for treating the symptoms of LCL injury.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDs)
Class Summary
Although most NSAIDs are used primarily for their anti-inflammatory effects, they are effective analgesics and are useful for the relief of mild to moderate pain. Any prescription-strength NSAID can be effective. For patients who cannot tolerate the early-generation NSAIDs because of gastrointestinal (GI) intolerance, they may benefit from cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors (eg, celecoxib [Celebrex], Pfizer Inc, New York, NY).
Ibuprofen (Motrin, Ibuprin, Advil)
DOC for patients with mild to moderate pain. Inhibits inflammatory reactions and pain by decreasing prostaglandin synthesis.
Diclofenac (Voltaren)
Inhibits prostaglandin synthesis by decreasing activity of enzyme cyclooxygenase, which in turn decreases formation of prostaglandin precursors.
Sulindac (Clinoril)
Decreases activity of cyclooxygenase and in turn inhibits prostaglandin synthesis. Results in a decreased formation of inflammatory mediators.
COX-2 Inhibitors
Class Summary
Although increased cost can be a negative factor, the incidence of costly and potentially fatal GI bleeding is clearly less with COX-2 inhibitors than with traditional NSAIDs. Ongoing analysis of the cost avoidance of GI bleeds further defines the populations that will find COX-2 inhibitors the most beneficial.
Celecoxib (Celebrex)
Inhibits primarily COX-2. COX-2 is considered an inducible isoenzyme that is 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 lowest dose of celecoxib for each patient.
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The medial and lateral collateral ligaments of the knee. Courtesy of Randale Sechrest, MD, CEO, Medical Multimedia Group
