Arthritis refers to a chronic and debilitating condition in which joints become inflamed, stiff and painful. This can severely affect movement. MedlinePlus says that typical signs of arthritis include joint pain, joint swelling, skin redness and warmth surrounding the joint. Fortunately, drugs for arthritis exist to manage these symptoms.
Naproxen
Naproxen is a medication used to manage arthritis. Drugs.com says that naproxen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory that actually decreases substances (prostaglandin) that lead to inflammation and pain.
Naproxen's common side effects include bloating, skin itching, rash, headache, nervousness and dizziness. Other common effects include gas, bloating and blurry vision. Phone a physician when naproxen's common effects remain for more than a week.
Naproxen's serious side effects include chest pain, black or bloody stools, sore throat, fever and rapid weight gain. Its other serious effects include neck stiffness, blistering of the skin, coughing up blood and muscle weakness. Naproxen can also lead to yellowing of the skin or eyes, seizures and shortness of breath. Go to the nearest emergency room when naproxen leads to these effects.
An alteration in naproxen's dose is needed when the drug is used to treat those having a history of kidney or liver disease, stomach ulcers, heart disease, congestive heart failure, high blood pressure and nasal polyps.
Naproxen is available as an extended-release pill or an enteric-coated tablet taken daily or as instructed.
Acetaminophen
Acetaminophen belongs to a class of medicines known as analgesics and antipyretics. It works to reduce the amount of pain the body feels. It is used to treat such ailments as arthritis, toothaches, headaches and backaches.
Acetaminophen typically is taken with no problem. However, its serious side effects include trouble breathing or swallowing, hoarseness, itching, swelling of the tongue, face, lips or throat and hoarseness. Go to the emergency room right away when acetaminophen leads to these effects.
A change in acetaminophen's dose may be necessary when taking warfarin, isoniazid, carbamazepine, phenobarbital or phenytoin.
Acetaminophen is available as a capsule, chewable tablet, liquid, extended-release or disintegrating tablet. Take this medication daily as needed or as recommended.
Ibuprofen
Ibuprofen is another medication used to manage arthritis. MedlinePlus says that ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication that works to reduce the amount of prostaglandins in the body. Prostaglandins are substances responsible for leading to inflammation, fever and pain.
According to MedlinePlus, ibuprofen's common side effects include nervousness, constipation, ringing in the ears, dizziness, bloating and gas. Notify a physician when ibuprofen's common side effects last for more than one week.
Ibuprofen's serious side effects include a fast heartbeat (tachycardia), pale skin, trouble breathing or swallowing, poor appetite and nausea. Other serious side effects include confusion, headache, aggression, pain in the upper region of the stomach and unexplained weight gain. Ibuprofen can also lead to painful eyes, pale skin, blisters and hoarseness. Phone a physician when ibuprofen's common effects develop.
A change in ibuprofen's dose may be necessary when taking moexipril, lisinopril, quinapril, trandolapril, lithium and methotrexate.
Ibuprofen is available as a tablet taken three to four times daily. Ibuprofen is also available as a liquid and a chewable tablet.
