Drugs Used to Treat Musculoskeletal Disorders

Flashcards summarizing key terms and definitions related to drugs used in treating musculoskeletal disorders.

Skeletal Muscle Relaxants

Medications used to treat low back pain and spastic muscle conditions.

Spasticity

Muscle hypertonicity and involuntary jerks that result in stiff, awkward movements.

Neuromuscular Blocking Agents

Drugs that interrupt transmission of impulses from motor nerves to muscles at the skeletal neuromuscular junction.

Baclofen (Lioresal)

A centrally acting skeletal muscle relaxant used for management of muscle spasticity due to multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injuries, and cerebral palsy.

Gout Agents

Medications used to prevent or relieve acute attacks of gout and manage uric acid levels.

Colchicine

A gout agent that interrupts the cycle of urate crystal deposition in tissues.

Probenecid

A gout agent that enhances the excretion of uric acid.

Xanthine Oxidase Inhibitors

Drugs that block the formation of uric acid by inhibiting the enzyme xanthine oxidase.

Dantrolene (Dantrium)

A direct-acting skeletal muscle relaxant that controls spasticity in chronic disorders.

Common adverse effects

Adverse reactions frequently seen with medications, such as sedation, weakness, and nausea.

Serious adverse effects

Severe adverse reactions that may occur, requiring special monitoring and intervention.

Therapeutic effect

The desired positive outcome or effect of a medication.

Patient education

Instructing patients on the safe use and potential side effects of their medications.

Respiratory depression

A condition characterized by a reduced ability to breathe, which can result from neuromuscular blocking agents.

Analgesics

Medications used to relieve pain.

Mechanical ventilation

A method to assist or replace spontaneous breathing in patients who cannot breathe adequately on their own.

Hyperuricemia

An excess of uric acid in the blood, often associated with gout.

Hepatotoxicity

Liver damage caused by chemicals or drugs.

Blood dyscrasias

Abnormalities or disorders of the blood.

Physical therapy

A treatment that uses physical methods to relieve pain and improve mobility.

Muscle spasm

Sudden, involuntary muscle contractions.

Muscle weakness

A reduction in muscle strength that can result from various conditions or medications.