Osteoarthritis--the most common form of arthritis--is a degenerative condition that causes the cartilage of the joints to deteriorate over time, according to the Mayo Clinic. It can affect any joint in the body and often causes bothersome symptoms of pain, tenderness, stiffness and swelling. There are many types of drugs available over-the-counter and by prescription to help reduce osteoarthritis symptoms.
Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are medications that are proven to relieve swelling and pain. They are available both over-the-counter and by prescription, with prescription drugs typically being stronger and more expensive, according to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs commonly used to treat osteoarthritis include ibuprofen, diclofenac and indomethacin. Another type of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug containing the active ingredient salsalate is also available by prescription. While effective, some drugs in this class can lead to stomach upset, bleeding and heart and liver problems, so they may not be appropriate for everyone.
Cox-2 Inhibitors
Cox-2 inhibitors are a specific type of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication available by prescription that can help in treating moderate to severe pain. According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, cox-2 inhibitors such are just as effective as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in treating pain and are also less likely to lead to stomach bleeding or ulcers. Currently, the only cox-2 inhibitor available in the United States is celecoxib (Celebrex).
Acetaminophen
According to the Mayo Clinic, acetaminophen (Tylenol) has been proven effective in treating mild to moderate pain among those with osteoarthritis. Unlike nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, it does not reduce inflammation. Acetominophen can cause liver damage if taken in excessive amounts or in combination with other medications, so it is important to notify your doctor if you take acetaminophen regularly.
Tramadol
Tramadol is a special type of prescription pain reliever intended for use by adults in managing moderate to severe pain, according to RX List. Unlike nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, it does not reduce inflammation of joints; however, it can relieve pain with less likelihood of side effects like gastrointestinal bleeding or stomach ulcers. According to the Mayo Clinic, tramadol is often prescribed on a short-term basis to treat painful osteoarthritis flare-ups and may sometimes be taken in combination with acetaminophen.
Other Prescription Painkillers
Powerful painkillers available by prescription can help relieve severe symptoms of arthritis. Because they can cause side effects such as nausea, constipation, confusion and dizziness, they are typically prescribed only after other less potent drug treatments have failed to improve your symptoms. Prescription painkillers for osteoarthritis include nefopam, meptazinol, codeine and propoxyphene. According to the Arthritis Research Campaign, combination analgesics that contain both a strong painkiller and acetaminophen may also relieve pain. These include co-codamol--containing codeine and acetaminophen--and co-dydramol--containing dihydrocodeine tartrate and acetaminophen.
Corticosteroids
According to the Mayo Clinic, corticosteroids can be used to relieve symptoms of painful joints. Corticosteroids are drugs that mimic the naturally-occurring hormone cortisol in our body and help to relieve inflammation and pain. To treat osteoarthritis, cortisol may be injected with a needle into the area of your joint. Because repeated injections can cause joint damage, the frequency of these treatments is usually limited by your doctor.
Skin Creams
According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, topical creams such as Zostrix or Theragen containing the active ingredient capsaicin are available by prescription and have been shown to provide relief from symptoms of mild pain. Although these creams may cause mild burning or stinging, these side effects are usually temporary. Topical creams such as Aspercreme and Bengay Arthritis containing salicylate, however, are not effective for osteoarthritis pain.
Hyaluronic Acid Derivatives
Hyaluronic acid derivatives are drugs that mimic normal joint fluid that are injected by a physician into your joint. This type of treatment--called viscosupplementation--is approved for osteoarthritis and may relieve pain by increasing the amount of cushioning in the affected joint, according to the Mayo Clinic.
