What medications are good for patients with ankylosing spondylitis?
Nov 25, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Chen Jian
Introduction
Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic inflammatory disease that primarily affects the spine and sacroiliac joints, causing pain and stiffness. There is currently no cure, but the condition can be managed under a doctor's guidance with medications such as indomethacin capsules, diclofenac sodium injection, sulfasalazine enteric-coated tablets, methotrexate tablets, and prednisolone tablets to control disease progression and relieve symptoms.
Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic inflammatory disease that primarily affects the spine and sacroiliac joints, causing pain and stiffness. Currently, there is no cure, but under the guidance of a physician, the progression of the disease and symptoms can be controlled with medications such as indomethacin capsules, diclofenac sodium injection, sulfasalazine enteric-coated tablets, methotrexate tablets, and prednisolone tablets. A detailed explanation is as follows:
1. Indomethacin capsules: This is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that can rapidly relieve back pain and stiffness and reduce joint swelling and pain. It is one of the first-line drugs for treating ankylosing spondylitis. By inhibiting inflammatory responses and alleviating pain, it helps improve patients' quality of life.
2. Diclofenac sodium injection: This medication has analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects and can be used to relieve pain and inflammation caused by ankylosing spondylitis. It has a significant therapeutic effect and is relatively safe, making it one of the commonly used drugs for patients with ankylosing spondylitis.
3. Sulfasalazine enteric-coated tablets: This is a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) that can, to some extent, slow the progression of ankylosing spondylitis. It works by suppressing excessive immune responses, thereby reducing inflammation and joint damage and helping patients control their condition.
4. Methotrexate tablets: Methotrexate tablets work by interfering with immune system function, thereby reducing inflammation and pain, and helping patients restore joint function and quality of life.
5. Prednisolone tablets: This is a glucocorticoid medication that can be used to treat musculoskeletal inflammation in ankylosing spondylitis. When administered via local injection or short-term systemic use, it can rapidly reduce inflammation and pain. However, long-term use of glucocorticoids may cause side effects such as osteoporosis and an increased risk of infection. Therefore, it should be used cautiously under the guidance of a physician.
Patients should also combine non-pharmacological treatment approaches, such as appropriate systemic physical exercise and physical therapy, to comprehensively control the disease and improve quality of life.
