What medication should be taken for costochondritis?
Dec 12, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Li Feng
Introduction
In general, costochondritis is primarily characterized by pain, and treatment medications are mainly focused on analgesia and anti-inflammation. Patients may use drugs such as ibuprofen sustained-release capsules, diclofenac sodium enteric-coated tablets, celecoxib capsules, glucosamine hydrochloride capsules, and prednisone tablets under medical guidance. It is also important to maintain good daily habits, avoid strenuous exercise and excessive chest strain, and reduce irritation to the costal cartilage.
Rib chondritis typically presents with pain as the main symptom, and treatments primarily focus on analgesic and anti-inflammatory medications. Patients may use the following medications under medical guidance: ibuprofen sustained-release capsules, diclofenac sodium enteric-coated tablets, celecoxib capsules, glucosamine hydrochloride capsules, and prednisone tablets. Detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Ibuprofen Sustained-Release Capsules
Ibuprofen sustained-release capsules belong to the class of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and reduce inflammation and pain by inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis. The medication acts quickly, effectively relieving chest dull pain and tenderness caused by rib chondritis, with a prolonged duration of effect, making it suitable for daily pain management.
2. Diclofenac Sodium Enteric-Coated Tablets
Diclofenac sodium enteric-coated tablets have strong anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects by suppressing cyclooxygenase activity and reducing the release of inflammatory mediators. They are suitable for patients with rib chondritis experiencing significant pain, rapidly alleviating redness, swelling, and pain due to inflammation, and improving restricted chest movement.
3. Celecoxib Capsules
Celecoxib capsules are selective nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that primarily work by inhibiting cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). They provide clear anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects with relatively less gastrointestinal irritation, making them suitable for patients with rib chondritis who have underlying gastrointestinal conditions, for either short-term or long-term pain relief.
4. Glucosamine Hydrochloride Capsules
Glucosamine hydrochloride capsules promote the synthesis of cartilage matrix and improve cartilage metabolism. Since rib chondritis may be accompanied by cartilage damage, this medication helps nourish cartilage tissue and supports the repair of damaged costal cartilage, reducing the recurrence of inflammation. It is suitable for long-term management in patients with chronic rib chondritis.
5. Prednisone Tablets
Prednisone tablets are corticosteroids with potent anti-inflammatory effects. They are used only in cases of acute severe rib chondritis or when NSAIDs are ineffective. The drug can rapidly control severe inflammatory responses and relieve intense pain. However, it should be used for a short period and gradually tapered off.
In daily life, it's important to develop healthy habits: avoid strenuous exercise and excessive strain on the chest area to reduce irritation to the costal cartilage. Avoid spicy and irritating foods, maintain warmth to prevent cold exposure from worsening inflammation, and keep a regular sleep schedule to support recovery.
