Many types of therapeutic drugs are used to treat the causes and symptoms associated with human illness. Administration of therapeutic drugs may be short- or long-term, depending on the indication for use. Nonsteriodal anti-inflammatory drugs, statins and anticonvulsants are common examples of therapeutics drugs used by millions of people in the United States each year.
Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, are a large class of prescription and over-the-counter medicines used for the treatment of inflammatory conditions and associated pain. The indications for NSAID use span an array of diseases and conditions, including musculoskeletal strains and sprains, tendinitis, bursitis and arthritis, reports the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. NSAIDs interfere with the formation of immune system chemicals called prostaglandins, which fuel tissue inflammation.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, or FDA, warns that use of NSAIDs may lead to an increased risk for stroke or heart attack, especially among people with preexisting cardiovascular disease. Increased risk for bleeding and ulcer formation in the stomach or intestines may also occur with NSAID use. NSAID medications include ibuprofen, naproxen meclofenamate, sulindac, diclofenac, celecoxib, diflunisal and many others.
Statins
HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, better known as statins, are cholesterol-lowering medications that block the production of cholesterol by the liver. Lowering blood cholesterol, particularly LDL cholesterol, slows the progressive growth of fat-laden plaques in the arteries. Arterial plaques can lead to a heart attack or stroke. Statins are most commonly prescribed for people with an elevated blood cholesterol and other risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
Statins may cause muscle pain or, in rare cases, breakdown of muscle tissue. These drugs may also cause liver inflammation, as noted by Medline Plus, a website of the National Institutes of Health. Statins are available by prescription only and include pitavastatin, fluvastatin, lovastatin, simvastatin, atorvastatin, rosuvastatin and pravastatin.
Anticonvulsants
Anticonvulsants, also known as antiseizure or antiepileptic medications, are used to control active seizures and prevent the occurrence of seizures among people living with epilepsy. Some anticonvulsants are also commonly used to treat chronic pain disorders such as peripheral neuropathy and shingles-related pain.
Many classes of drugs have anticonvulsant activity including barbiturates such as phenobarbital, and benzodiazepines such as diazepam and lorazepam, which are frequently used to halt an ongoing seizure. Anticonvulsants commonly used to prevent epileptic seizures include phenytoin, carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, valproic acid, lamotrigine, clonazepam, primidone, ethosuximide, felbamate, tiagabine, topiramate, gabapentin and levetiracetam, notes the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.
Common side effects associated with anticonvulsants include dizziness, fatigue and weight gain. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration also warns that use of anticonvulsant medications may be associated with an increased risk for suicidal thoughts and actions.
References
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: What Are NSAIDs?
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration: Medication Guide for Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration: Controlling Cholesterol with Statins
- American Heart Association: Cholesterol-Lowering Drugs
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: Epilepsy Medications
