Inflammation can cause pain and discomfort that limits movement and makes it difficult to perform normal activities. Anti-inflammatory drugs reduce inflammation by working against enzymes and cells that produce an inflammatory response in the body. These drugs can improve the quality of life of people with autoimmune disorders, athletic injuries and other conditions that cause inflammation.
NSAIDs
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) work by preventing the COX enzyme from functioning normally. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons indicates that two forms of COX are used for different functions in the body. COX-1 is responsible for maintaining normal kidney function and protecting the lining of the stomach from digestive acids. COX-2 is produced when an injury occurs, causing inflammation. Because traditional NSAIDs block COX-1, they are associated with nausea, gastrointestinal bleeding and impaired kidney function. Aspirin, naproxen, nabumetone and ibuprofen are examples of traditional NSAIDs. COX-2 inhibitors work only against the COX-2 enzyme that produces inflammation. These drugs do not block the effects of COX-1, so there is a reduced risk of gastrointestinal and kidney problems. Valdecoxib, rofecoxib and celecoxib are examples of COX-2 inhibitors.
Corticosteroids
Corticosteroids are used to treat inflammatory conditions such as lupus, asthma and arthritis. According to the Mayo Clinic, corticosteroids can control inflammation, immune function and the physical stress of injuries and illnesses. These medications act like the hormones cortisone and hydrocortisone, which are produced by the adrenal glands. Corticosteroids are available in oral, topical, nasal spray, injection and inhaler preparations. Unfortunately, corticosteroids are also associated with serious side effects. Possible side effects of corticosteroids include high blood sugar, menstrual irregularities, easy bruising, thin skin, cataracts, increased risk of infections, reduced adrenal gland hormone production and loss of calcium from the bones. Inhaled corticosteroids can cause dry mouth, hoarseness, coughing and sore throat. Topical corticosteroids, which are applied to the skin, can cause acne and skin lesions. When corticosteroids are injected, pain, redness and infection can occur at the injection site.
DMARDs
Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, which damages the joints. These drugs can slow down or prevent the joint damage that occurs early in the disease. Oral DMARds prevent the immune cells from causing joint inflammation. Biological DMARDs are infused into the blood to prevent inflammation and joint damage by interfering with the way immune cells work. According to the University of California San Diego, the most common oral DMARDs are sulfasalazine, leflunomide, methotrexate and medications used to prevent malaria. Other oral DMARDs include cyclophosphamide, gold salts, azathioprine, penicillamine, cyclosporine and minicycline. Examples of biological DMARDs include adalimumab, etanercept, rituximab, abatacept, anakinra and infliximab. These drugs are associated with stomach and intestinal side effects and may also cause liver and kidney disease, lung disease and increased risk for infections. DMARDs also increase the risk of birth defects.
