Which drug is given to reduce inflammation?: A Guide to Anti-Inflammatory Medications

October 15, 2025 •

5 min read

According to the Arthritis Foundation, millions of people use anti-inflammatory drugs to manage pain and swelling associated with conditions like arthritis. Knowing which drug is given to reduce inflammation is essential for effective symptom management, as options range from over-the-counter tablets to potent, targeted prescriptions.

Quick Summary

Numerous medications, including NSAIDs, corticosteroids, and advanced biologics, are used to combat inflammation. The ideal choice depends on the inflammation's severity, type, and individual health factors.

Key Points

NSAIDs Target COX Enzymes: Common NSAIDs like ibuprofen reduce inflammation by blocking cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, which produce inflammatory chemicals.
Corticosteroids are Potent Immunosuppressants: Corticosteroids powerfully suppress the immune response and are used for severe inflammatory and autoimmune conditions.
Biologics Offer Targeted Therapy: Biologics are a specialized class of drugs that target specific proteins or cells involved in chronic inflammation, such as in rheumatoid arthritis.
Drug Choice Depends on Condition: The best medication depends on the type, severity, and cause of inflammation, with NSAIDs for mild cases and biologics for chronic, complex diseases.
Consult a Doctor for Guidance: It is crucial to consult a healthcare professional to choose the right anti-inflammatory drug and manage potential side effects and interactions.
Administration Varies by Drug: Anti-inflammatory drugs can be taken orally, injected, or applied topically, depending on the medication and the specific condition.
Long-term Use Requires Monitoring: Potent medications like corticosteroids and biologics require regular monitoring due to the risk of side effects, including increased susceptibility to infection.

The Body's Inflammatory Response

Inflammation is a natural and necessary part of the body's healing process. It is the immune system's way of protecting itself from infection and injury. When the body encounters a foreign invader (like bacteria) or suffers a physical injury, inflammatory chemicals are released that trigger a protective response. This causes increased blood flow to the affected area, leading to redness, swelling, heat, and pain. However, in some chronic conditions, the inflammatory response becomes overactive and persistent, contributing to pain and tissue damage. Medications are used to modulate this response and alleviate symptoms.

Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

NSAIDs are a common class of drugs used to treat inflammation and its symptoms. They are effective for pain, swelling, and fever.

How NSAIDs work

NSAIDs function by inhibiting the cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, COX-1 and COX-2. These enzymes produce prostaglandins, which are hormone-like chemicals that drive the inflammatory process. By blocking COX, NSAIDs reduce the production of prostaglandins, thereby decreasing inflammation, pain, and fever.

Types of NSAIDs

Over-the-Counter (OTC) NSAIDs: These are widely available for treating minor aches, pains, and inflammation. Common examples include ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen sodium (Aleve).
Prescription-Strength NSAIDs: For more severe or chronic inflammation, a doctor may prescribe a higher-dose NSAID or a different compound. Examples include meloxicam (Mobic), celecoxib (Celebrex), and indomethacin (Indocin).
COX-2 Selective Inhibitors: Celecoxib is a selective COX-2 inhibitor, meaning it primarily targets the COX-2 enzyme responsible for inflammation, with less effect on COX-1. COX-1 is important for protecting the stomach lining, so these drugs may cause fewer gastrointestinal side effects than non-selective NSAIDs. However, they may carry a higher risk of heart problems.

Side effects and considerations

Common side effects include stomach upset, bleeding, and ulcers, especially with long-term use. NSAIDs can also cause kidney problems and increase blood pressure. Taking them with food can help mitigate stomach issues.

Corticosteroids

Corticosteroids are powerful anti-inflammatory drugs that mimic the effects of cortisol, a hormone naturally produced by the adrenal glands.

How corticosteroids work

Corticosteroids suppress the immune system and significantly reduce inflammation by inhibiting the production of a wide range of inflammatory chemicals and cytokines. Their potent effects make them highly effective for severe inflammatory and autoimmune conditions.

Administration and use cases

Corticosteroids can be administered in several ways depending on the condition being treated:

Oral: Tablets or syrups like prednisone (Rayos) are used for systemic inflammation related to conditions like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis.
Injections: Cortisone shots are often used to deliver a concentrated dose directly into an inflamed joint or muscle, treating conditions like tendinitis or bursitis.
Topical: Creams and ointments containing hydrocortisone are used for inflammatory skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis.
Inhalers and Nasal Sprays: These target inflammation in the respiratory tract for asthma or allergies.

Side effects

While highly effective, corticosteroids carry a significant risk of side effects, especially at high doses or with long-term use. These can include weight gain, bone thinning (osteoporosis), easy bruising, high blood pressure, and increased risk of infections. Due to these risks, doctors often prescribe them for the shortest duration possible.

Advanced Therapies for Chronic Inflammation

For chronic inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, more specialized drugs are needed to manage the underlying immune dysfunction.

Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (DMARDs)

Conventional DMARDs, such as methotrexate (Trexall), slow the progression of inflammatory autoimmune diseases and protect against joint and tissue damage. They work by suppressing the overall immune system.

Biologics

Biologics are a newer, more advanced class of DMARDs. Unlike conventional DMARDs, they are large molecules produced in living cells and target specific proteins or cells in the immune system that fuel inflammation.

Examples of Biologics:

TNF Inhibitors: Block tumor necrosis factor (TNF), an inflammatory protein. Examples include adalimumab (Humira) and etanercept (Enbrel).
Interleukin Inhibitors: Target specific interleukins, which are inflammatory proteins produced by white blood cells. Examples include tocilizumab (Actemra).

Targeted synthetic DMARDs

These are small-molecule drugs that can be taken orally and are used when conventional DMARDs or biologics are ineffective. Examples include tofacitinib (Xeljanz).

Comparison of Anti-Inflammatory Drugs


Feature	NSAIDs	Corticosteroids	Biologics	DMARDs
Mechanism	Inhibit COX enzymes to block prostaglandin synthesis.	Mimic natural cortisol, powerfully suppressing the immune and inflammatory response.	Target specific immune system components (e.g., TNF, interleukins).	Broadly suppress the immune system to slow disease progression.
Use Case	Acute pain, minor injuries, arthritis symptoms, headaches.	Severe inflammation, flares of autoimmune conditions (rheumatoid arthritis, lupus).	Chronic autoimmune conditions, like rheumatoid arthritis, when other drugs fail.	Long-term management of chronic inflammatory diseases.
Potency	Mild to moderate.	High.	High.	Moderate.
Onset of Action	Relatively fast (hours).	Fast (hours to days).	Slower (weeks to months).	Slow (weeks to months).
Administration	Oral, topical.	Oral, injection, topical, inhaler.	Injection, infusion.	Oral.

Choosing the Right Medication

Deciding on the correct anti-inflammatory medication is a complex process that must be guided by a healthcare provider. The right choice depends on several factors:

Type and severity of inflammation: Acute, mild inflammation from an injury may only require OTC NSAIDs, while chronic, severe inflammation from an autoimmune disease will likely need potent prescription drugs like biologics.
Individual health history: A history of stomach ulcers may necessitate a COX-2 selective NSAID or avoiding NSAIDs altogether. Heart conditions can also influence medication choice.
Duration of use: Long-term management requires a different approach than short-term relief. Corticosteroids, for instance, are generally not suitable for prolonged use due to side effect risks.
Potential for side effects and drug interactions: Any medication can cause adverse effects or interact with other drugs. A doctor can help weigh the benefits against the risks.

Conclusion

Medications to reduce inflammation range from readily available over-the-counter NSAIDs to potent, targeted therapies for chronic conditions. NSAIDs inhibit the body's production of inflammatory chemicals, corticosteroids powerfully suppress the immune response, and advanced drugs like biologics offer targeted treatment for complex autoimmune disorders. The best and safest approach for any individual requires a thorough evaluation by a healthcare provider, who can recommend the appropriate drug based on the specific cause, severity, and duration of the inflammation. For many living with inflammatory diseases, these medications are vital for controlling symptoms and improving quality of life. For more information on inflammatory diseases and their treatments, consider visiting the Arthritis Foundation website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Naproxen (Aleve) is considered the strongest over-the-counter NSAID because its effects last longer than ibuprofen (Advil). However, the best choice depends on individual needs and health history, so it is best to consult a pharmacist or doctor.

Common side effects of NSAIDs can include stomach upset, nausea, pain, bleeding, and ulcers. Long-term or high-dose use can also lead to kidney problems and an increased risk of heart issues.

Corticosteroids are typically used for more severe or chronic inflammation, particularly for flares of autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. Due to their higher potency and side effect risk, they are often prescribed for short-term relief when NSAIDs are not sufficient.

Biologics are a more advanced class of drugs that target specific immune system components, such as inflammatory proteins. Unlike broad-acting NSAIDs or corticosteroids, they work more precisely and are reserved for chronic autoimmune diseases that don't respond to conventional treatments.

Yes, diet plays a significant role in managing inflammation. Consuming foods rich in antioxidants and healthy fats, such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, and fatty fish (like salmon), can help reduce inflammation. An anti-inflammatory diet is often recommended as a complementary approach.

No, acetaminophen is a pain reliever and fever reducer, but it has very little to no anti-inflammatory effect. It works differently than NSAIDs, which makes it a suitable alternative for people who cannot take NSAIDs due to stomach or heart issues.

Yes, anti-inflammatory medications are available in topical forms, such as creams, gels, and patches. Examples include OTC diclofenac gel (Voltaren). These options can be beneficial for localized pain and inflammation, as they have fewer systemic side effects.