From Textbook (Drugs for Skeleton) - Unit 4: The Skeletal System

analgesic drugs

Indication: Over-the-counter drugs aspirin and acetaminophen decrease mild-to-moderate inflammation and pain. They are used to treat minor injuries and osteoarthritis. Prescription narcotic drugs are used to treat severe pain. Examples: aspirin (Bayer, Ecotrin), acetaminophen (Tylenol); prescription narcotic drugs: meperidine (Demerol), oxycodone (OxyContin), morphine sulfate (MS Contin)

bone resorption inhibitor drugs

Indication: Inhibit osteoclasts from breaking down bone. They are used to prevent and treat osteoporosis. Examples: alendronate (Fosamax), ibandronate (Boniva), zoledronic acid (Reclast, Zometa)

corticosteroid drugs

Indication: Decrease severe inflammation. They are given orally to treat osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Some are given by intra-articular injection into the joint. Examples: dexamethasone, hydrocortisone (Cortef, Solu-Cortef), prednisone; intra-articular injection: betamethasone (Celestone), methylprednisolone (Depo-Medrol), triamcinolone (Aristospan, Kenalog) Note: This is often referred to as a "cortisone shot," even though it is not the drug cortisone (which is only available as a tablet).

gold compound drugs

Indication: Inhibit the immune response that attacks the joints and connective tissue in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. These drugs actually contain gold. Examples: auranofin (Ridaura)

nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

Indication: Decrease mild-to-moderate inflammation and pain. They are used to treat osteoarthritis and orthopedic injuries. Celebrex is a COX-2 inhibitor drug, a type of NSAID that blocks the COX-2 enzyme that produces prostaglandins that cause pain. Examples: celecoxib (Celebrex), diclofenac (Cataflam, Voltaren), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn)