title: Pharmacologic intervention for osteoarthritis in older adults.
abstract: The management of osteoarthritis requires a careful combination of pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic therapies to effect improvements in pain and function. When choosing pharmacologic therapy, the potential toxicities must be considered relative to potential benefits. This review highlights commonly used medications and presents the evidence for their effectiveness as well as their toxicities. Acetaminophen and nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs are the mainstay of pharmacologic therapy, but there are numerous adjunctive or alternative medications that may provide some benefit to patients with osteoarthritis.
authors.affiliation: Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA 02111, USA. wharvey@tuftsmedicalcenter.org
authors.forename: William F
authors.initials: WF
authors.lastname: Harvey
authors.forename: David J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Hunter
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000700:Analgesics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004333:Drug Administration Routes; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D010003:Osteoarthritis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D055675:Viscosupplements / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D000700:Analgesics; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D005938:Glucocorticoids; D055675:Viscosupplements