Medical Terminology Simplified

PHARMACOLOGY

The following table lists common drug categories used to treat musculoskeletal disorders, as well as their therapeutic
actions.

Pharmacology • CHAPTER 10 493

Drug Category Action

bone reabsorption

inhibitors

gold salts

nonsteroidal anti-

inflammatory drugs

(NSAIDs)

nŏn-STĔR-oyd-ăl

ăn-tē-ĭn-FLĂM-ă-tō-rē

Reduce reabsorption of bone in the treatment of weak and fragile bones, as seen in osteo-

porosis and Paget disease

Treat rheumatoid arthritis by inhibiting activity within the immune system to prevent

further disease progression

Relieve mild to moderate pain and reduce inflammation in the treatment of musculoskele-

tal conditions, such as sprains and strains, and inflammatory disorders, such as rheumatoid

arthritis, osteoarthritis, bursitis, gout, and tendinitis

Pronunciation Help Long sound a ̄in ra ̄te e ̄in re ̄birth ı ̄in ı ̄sle o ̄in o ̄ver u ̄in u ̄nite

Short sound a ̆in a ̆lone e ̆in e ̆ver ı ̆in ı ̆t o ̆in no ̆t u ̆in cu ̆t