Drugs used for the Disorder of Musculoskeletal System

Subject: Medical and Surgical Nursing I (Theory)

Overview

These medications are utilized in the musculoskeletal system: Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs, a class of medicines used to treat pain and inflammation, especially in joints, muscles, and ligaments. It includes medications including aspirin, ibuprofen, indomethacin, ketoprofen, mefenamic acid, and meloxicam. Corticosteroids have a local action, which are administered intravenously to treat inflammation. Betamethasone, Dexamethasone, Hydrocortisone, Methylprednisolone, and others fall under this category of medication. Drugs for Bone Disorders, medications used to treat conditions that influence the growth, replacement, and repair of bones Drugs that are frequently used include bisphosphonates, alendronic acid, etidronate, calcium, and vitamin D. Drugs known as muscle relaxants are used to alleviate muscle cramps and stiffness. Drugs like Baclofen, Botulinum toxin, Dantrolene, and Diazepam are frequently used. Antirheumatic Drugs, drugs used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and certain other conditions caused by autoimmune disease. Common drugs used are Auranofin, Azathioprine, Chloroquine, Ciclosporin, Cyclophosphamide, Hydroxychloroquine, etc.

Joint, muscular, and bone pain are frequent issues. Often, it is caused by a slight muscular injury, and medications are taken to reduce pain until the issue is resolved. Long-term medicine is required to manage the symptoms of more severe diseases since they can lead to chronic pain or incapacity.

Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs

A class of medications used to treat pain and inflammation, especially in joints, muscles, and ligaments

Common drugs:

  • Acemetacin
  • Aspirin
  • Diclofenac
  • Etodolac
  • Fenbufen
  • Fenoprofen
  • Flurbiprofen
  • Ibuprofen
  • Indometacin
  • Ketoprofen
  • Mefenamic acid
  • Meloxicam
  • Nabumetone
  • Naproxen
  • Piroxicam

Uses of NSAID

Although occasionally they may be applied as a gel or administered by injection, NSAIDs are most frequently taken orally. Some NSAIDs are offered in a slow-release formulation that may last up to 24 hours. When long-term problems are being treated, this lessens the requirement for taking tablets regularly. Additionally, slow-release NSAIDs offer pain relief that is more consistent over time. These medications are frequently combined with other therapies, like physiotherapy, to treat a variety of conditions.

Side effects

  • Irritate the lining of the stomach, which can lead to nausea, indigestion, stomach bleeding, and possibly peptic ulcers.
  • Rashes and angioedema, a condition where transient, painless swellings appear in the skin and mucous membranes, are examples of allergic reactions.
  • Photosensitivity refers to an abnormal sensitivity of the skin to sunlight.

Locally Acting Corticosteroids

Directly injected medications that reduce inflammation in the body tissues.

Common drugs

  • Betamethasone
  • Dexamethasone
  • Hydrocortisone
  • Methylprednisolone
  • Prednisolone
  • Triamcinolone

Uses

Anti-inflammatory medications known as locally acting corticosteroids are injected into a particular location of the body to lessen inflammation there. The medications prevent the body's reaction from causing the release of the natural chemicals that lead to pain and inflammation. Injections of corticosteroids can be used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and other illnesses that cause inflammation in the joints. Tennis elbow and other disorders can be treated with injections around ligaments and tendons. To swiftly reduce pain, a corticosteroid may be administered into a local anesthetic.

Side effects

Injected corticosteroids rarely cause side effects, and if they do, they are often localized to the injection site. The thinning of the skin or fat at the injection site, which may result in a dimple, is one of these local adverse effects. There can be a little worsening of the pain; infection of the area is infrequent.

Drugs for Bone Disorders

Drugs used to treat conditions that impact how bones develop, replace, and are repaired.

Common drugs

  • Bisphosphonates
  • Alendronic acid
  • Etidronate
  • Ibandronic acid
  • Risedronate
  • Calcium and vitamin D
  • Calcitriol
  • Calcium carbonate
  • Ergocalciferol
  • Vitamin D

Oestrogen and compounds with oestrogen-like effects

  • Conjugated oestrogens
  • Estradiol
  • Raloxifene
  • Tibolone

Other drugs for bone disorders

  • Calcitonin
  • Parathyroid hormone
  • Teriparatide
  • Strontium ranelate

Muscle Relaxants

A class of medications used to alleviate cramps and muscle stiffness.

Common drugs

  • Baclofen
  • Botulinum toxin
  • Dantrolene
  • Diazepam
  • Quinine
  • Tizanidine

Uses

  • Muscle relaxant dosages must be carefully adjusted. Amounts that are either too little or too much might cause muscle weakness. For chronic illnesses like multiple sclerosis, doses start off low and are gradually increased to strike a balance between symptom control and muscular strength.
  • Small quantities of botulinum toxin can be injected directly into the afflicted area to treat involuntary neck and face muscle spasms. A single injection often lasts for three months or so. Quinine, which can be given at bedtime in very small doses, aids in preventing cramp from occurring during the night.

Side effects

Drowsiness is a typical adverse effect of several muscle relaxants, and it typically gets better as the treatment goes on. A muscle relaxant may cause the body to become dependent on it after prolonged use; if the medication is abruptly stopped, muscle spasms may worsen. Diarrhea may result with dantrolene. As with tizanidine, this medication has the potential to seriously harm the liver.

Antirheumatic Drugs

Medications used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and a few other autoimmune-related disorders.

Common drugs:

  • Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDS)
    • Auranofin
    • Azathioprine
    • Chloroquine
    • Ciclosporin
    • Cyclophosphamide
    • Hydroxychloroquine
    • Leflunomide
    • Methotrexate
    • Penicillamine
    • Sodium aurothiomalate
    • Sulfasalazine
  • Biological DMARDS
    • Abatacept
    • Adalimumab
    • Anakinra
    • Etanercept
    • Infliximab
    • Rituximab

Uses

The majority of the time, DMARDs are used to treat rheumatoid arthritis as soon as it has been identified. Before DMARDs are administered, you will undergo a number of tests to see whether you have any conditions that might prevent the use of a certain medication. Treatment with these medications is initiated under the supervision of a specialist. You'll likely receive a cocktail of medications when your DMARD treatment begins. You may also be given painkillers, NSAIDs, and/or corticosteroids to treat your symptoms while you wait for the effects of DMARDs, which can take weeks or even months to manifest.

Side effect

As a broad class of medications, DMARDs have a variety of potential adverse effects. Rarely, they could result in major side effects like kidney, liver, blood, or eye issues, which is why DMARD users are frequently observed. DMARDs may not be appropriate for some persons with compromised immunity, such as those with HIV/AIDS, since they influence the immune system. Some DMARDs should not be used by nursing mothers, and some should not be used during pregnancy due to the possibility of fetal abnormalities.

References

  • aviva.co.uk › Health insurance and protection › Home of Health › Medical centre
  • cram.com/flashcards/pharmacology-ii-unit-5-drugs-used-to-treat-musculoskeletal-disorders-quizlet-6007177
  • Mandal, G. (August 2013). A Textbook of Adult Health Nursing (2nd ed.). Dilllibazar kathmandu: Makalu publication house. Retrieved August 2013
  • medilexicon.com › FDA Approved Drugs
  • patient.info/medicine/medicines-used-on-muscles-and-joints-1276
     
Things to remember
  • A minor muscular injury, and drugs are used to relieve the pain while the problem gets better. 
  •  Anti-inflammatory Drugs, a group of drugs that are used to relieve pain and inflammation,. 
  • NSAIDs also provide a more constant level of pain relief. 
  • Corticosteroids, drugs that are injected directly into body tissues to reduce inflammation 
  • Muscle Relaxants, a group of drugs that are used to treat muscular stiffness and cramps 
  • Doses of muscle relaxants need careful adjustment. 
  •  Bone Disorders, dugs used to treat disorders affecting bone formation, replacement, and repair 
  • Antirheumatic Drugs used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and certain other conditions caused by autoimmune disease. 
  • Some DMARDs should not be used by women who are breast-feeding, and some may cause fetal abnormalities and should not be used during pregnancy. 
Questions and Answers

Uses of NSAID

Although occasionally they may be applied as a gel or administered by injection, NSAIDs are most frequently taken orally. Some NSAIDs are offered in a slow-release formulation that may last up to 24 hours. When long-term conditions are being treated, this lessens the requirement for taking pills frequently. Additionally, slow-release NSAIDs offer pain relief that is more consistent over time. These medications are frequently combined with other therapies, like physiotherapy, to treat a variety of conditions.

Side Effects

  • Irritate the lining of the stomach, which can lead to nausea, indigestion, stomach bleeding, and possibly peptic ulcers.
  • Rashes and angioedema, a disease where transient, painless swellings appear in the skin and mucous membranes, are examples of allergic responses.
  • Photosensitivity refers to an abnormal sensitivity of the skin to sunlight.

Drugs for Bone Disorders

Drugs used to treat disorders affecting bone formation, replacement, and repair:

Common Drugs

  • Bisphosphonates,
  • Alendronic acid,
  • Etidronate,
  • Ibandronic acid,
  • Risedronate.

Calcium and Vitamin D

  • Calcitriol,
  • Calcium carbonate,
  • Ergocalciferol,
  • Vitamin D.

Uses

Anti-inflammatory medications known as locally acting corticosteroids are injected into a particular location of the body to lessen inflammation there. The medications prevent the body's reaction from causing the release of the natural chemicals that lead to pain and inflammation. Injections of corticosteroids can be used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and other conditions that cause inflammation in the joints. Tennis elbow and other conditions can be treated with injections around ligaments and tendons. To quickly reduce pain, a corticosteroid may be injected into a local anesthetic.

Side effects

Injected corticosteroids seldom cause side effects, and if they do, they are often localized to the injection site. The thinning of the skin or fat at the injection site, which may result in a dimple, is one of these local adverse effects. There can be a little worsening of the pain; infection of the region is infrequent.

 

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