Inflammation is part of the body’s healing response to an intruder. When the body senses a pathogen, irritant, or foreign object that penetrates the skin, it starts an immune response to remove that intruder.
The best medication depends on the severity and cause of the inflammation. Various over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription options are available.
Sometimes, the body
This article provides more details on what inflammation is and discusses medications and other treatments for inflammation.

Inflammation is the immune system’s
It is a vital part of the body’s defenses and usually works to minimize infection and injury. Once the body heals, the inflammation resolves and the tissue returns to its natural state. However, in some cases, uncontrolled inflammation mistakenly
Causes
Acute and chronic inflammation have different causes.
Acute
Acute inflammation follows an injury or infection and can appear within hours or almost immediately. If the inflammation does not resolve within
In acute inflammation, the body senses damage or harmful pathogens and the immune system responds by:
- releasing white blood cells called neutrophils, which contain molecules that can defend against pathogens
- accumulating plasma proteins in the tissues, which causes swelling
- enlarging small blood vessels so that white blood cells and plasma proteins can quickly reach the injury or infection site
Chronic
Chronic inflammation is slow and long-term. It can last
This type of inflammation can occur if a person has:
- persistent acute inflammation that does not resolve within 6 weeks and develops into a chronic condition
- an autoimmune disorder, in which the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells
- an auto-inflammatory disease, in which a person’s genetics affect the immune system’s response
- sensitivity to an external trigger, which may cause an allergic reaction
- long-term, low level exposure to an irritant, such as working with an industrial chemical
Symptoms
Symptoms in the affected area of inflammation
Common inflammatory conditions
Chronic inflammation
OTC and prescription options are available to treat inflammation. The best type of medication depends on the individual and the cause and severity of the inflammation. A person should consult a healthcare professional before taking any new medications.
OTC medication
OTC medication for inflammation may relieve swelling, pain, and other symptoms but will not address the cause.
Examples of OTC options include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) and acetaminophen.
NSAIDs
OTC NSAIDs
Examples of NSAIDs include:
While NSAIDs are often effective and fast-acting, they come with several risks, especially if a person takes high doses over a long period. These risks include:
- stroke
- heart attack
- ulcers
- intestinal bleeding
- gastric complications
Acetaminophen
Acetaminophen
Side effects may include:
Prescription medication
A doctor may prescribe medication for severe inflammation or conditions that cause it.
Corticosteroids
Corticosteroids are highly effective at reducing inflammation because they are similar to cortisol, a hormone that a person’s adrenal glands produce. These medications suppress the activity of a person’s immune system.
A doctor may prescribe corticosteroids in any of the following forms:
- topical cream or ointment
- oral tablets, syrups, or capsules
- eye drops
- intravenous, administered directly into the veins
- intramuscular, as a one-off injection
- intra-articular, as an injection directly into a joint, combined with a local anesthetic
Doctors do not typically recommend corticosteroids for long-term treatment, as this can increase the risk of complications and side effects.
Side effects can include:
- slowed responses to physical stress, as the adrenal glands become less effective
- blood sugar spikes
- weight gain
- loss of bone and bone death
- infections
- high blood pressure
- glaucoma and cataracts
- skin changes, such as stretch marks and acne
- shortness of breath
- mood changes
- headache
- dizziness
- pounding in the ears
- irregular heartbeat
Prescription NSAIDs
A doctor may prescribe higher dose oral or topical NSAIDs. Doctors prescribe NSAIDs very often, especially for people over age 65. NSAIDS account for
Prescription NSAIDs have a high rate of success in treating inflammation. However, the risks of side effects and complications increase with higher doses. A person may consider discussing potential side effects and complications with their doctor.
Alternative or complementary treatments may also help reduce or prevent inflammation.
Diet and exercise
Research has
Eating a healthy, balanced diet, such as a Mediterranean diet, and engaging in a moderate level of exercise can reduce the incidence of high C-reactive protein (CRP) levels by 72%. The liver produces CRP in response to inflammation.
Supplements
Research indicates that the following supplements may help reduce inflammation:
- Magnesium:
Research suggests that magnesium is a highly anti-inflammatory nutrient, and many people do not get enough of it in their diet. - Vitamins D, C, and E: These vitamins may have anti-inflammatory properties, and
experts regard vitamin D in particular as being able to inhibit substances in the body that cause inflammation. - Curcumin: More research is necessary to determine how effective curcumin is at reducing inflammation. However,
some studies have found that it is potentially beneficial in treating inflammatory digestive conditions and other inflammatory conditions, such as arthritis. - Omega-3s: Fish oil and algae oil supplements contain these fatty acids, which
may help protect joints and reduce inflammation.
However, a person should consult a healthcare professional for advice before taking supplements, as they may interact with existing medications.
Inflammation is a natural bodily response to illness and injury. The immune system triggers the response when it detects a potentially harmful substance in the body, and inflammation helps heal the affected area.
In some cases, inflammation is uncontrolled and the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells. This may lead to autoimmune conditions.
The best medication for each individual depends on the cause and severity of the inflammation. OTC options include NSAIDs and acetaminophen. Prescription medications include high dose NSAIDs and corticosteroids. A person may also reduce inflammation by making lifestyle changes or taking certain supplements.
People should consult a healthcare professional before taking any new medications or supplements.