What medication should be taken for costochondritis?
Disease description:
I've been feeling pain in my waist and chest bones recently, especially when pressing on them. I went to the hospital and was diagnosed with costochondritis. Could you please tell me what medications are usually used to treat this condition?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Xu Shuai
The medications used to treat costochondritis mainly include the following categories:
1. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): such as ibuprofen and naproxen. These medications help relieve pain and control inflammation, and are commonly the first-line treatment for costochondritis.
2. Antibiotics: For infectious costochondritis, targeted antibiotics are required to effectively control the infection, such as amoxicillin capsules or cefradine capsules.
3. Corticosteroids or procaine: In cases of severe pain, local injection at tender points may be used, such as 1%–2% procaine with or without the addition of corticosteroids like prednisone.
4. Antidepressants and antiepileptic drugs: such as amitriptyline and gabapentin, which may be used in certain cases to manage chronic pain.
During treatment, patients should take medications as prescribed and avoid self-medication. Additionally, comprehensive management including physical therapy, rest, and dietary adjustments should be combined to achieve optimal therapeutic outcomes.
