MSK Considerations Flashcards
(27 cards)
What are the main medication types used for MSK conditions?
Corticosteroids
NSAIDS
Anabolic steroids
psychotropic meds
rheumatological meds
muscle relaxants
neuropathic meds
What is a common corticosteroid used in MSK treatment?
Prednisone
What are glucocorticoids used for?
Reducing inflammation in conditions like RA
What is the mechanism of action of glucocorticoids?
They suppress inflammatory signals by affecting gene transcription
What are adverse effects of glucocorticoids?
Muscle wasting
osteoporosis
hypertension
diabetes aggravation
glaucoma
cataracts
infection risks
What are DMARDs?
Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs used to slow RA progression
What is a common DMARD for RA?
Methotrexate (Folex, rheumatrex)
How can diet influence RA?
Anti-inflammatory fatty acids and antioxidants can help; high meat and smoking may worsen symptoms
What drugs are commonly used to treat osteoarthritis?
Acetaminophen
NSAIDS
topical diclofenac
Why is acetaminophen used in OA?
It is first-line for mild-to-moderate OA and is well tolerated
What are the advantages of topical NSAIDs?
They reduce systemic side effects and are absorbed directly into the joint
What are DMOADs?
Disease Modifying OA Drugs being explored to slow OA progression
What are rehab considerations for RA/OA patients?
Manage pain
preserve joint function
monitor side effects
What are skeletal muscle relaxants used for?
Treating spasticity and muscle spasms
How do muscle relaxants work?
By decreasing muscle excitability at spinal cord or cellular level
What is the difference between spasticity and spasms?
Spasticity is velocity-dependent muscle tightness; spasms are sudden involuntary contractions
What are common adverse effects of antispasm drugs?
Drowsiness and dizziness
What is oral baclofen used for?
Treating spasticity through action at the spinal cord level
What is intrathecal baclofen?
A method of delivering baclofen directly into spinal fluid for severe spasticity
What does dantrolene sodium do?
Acts directly on skeletal muscle by inhibiting calcium release
What is dantrolene sodium used for?
Severe spasticity and malignant hyperthermia
What are the adverse effects of dantrolene sodium?
Muscle weakness
drowsiness
dizziness
nausea
diarrhea
What does gabapentin treat?
Spasticity and neuropathic pain
What is tizanidine (Zanaflex)?
An alpha-2 adrenergic agonist used to treat spasticity
