Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common joint condition that causes pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints. It most often affects the hands, knees, hips, back, and neck. While there is no cure for OA, certain medications can help reduce pain and improve joint mobility. Tablets that contain glucosamine, chondroitin, anti-inflammatory drugs, and pain relievers may provide relief for people with osteoarthritis.
What tablets are commonly prescribed for osteoarthritis?
Here are some of the most commonly prescribed tablet medications for osteoarthritis pain relief and inflammation reduction:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve) to reduce inflammation and pain
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol) for pain relief
- Duloxetine (Cymbalta) to treat chronic musculoskeletal pain
- Glucosamine and chondroitin supplements to support cartilage health
- Capsaicin creams containing chili pepper extracts to temporarily reduce joint pain
- Tramadol, an opioid pain reliever used for moderate to severe osteoarthritis pain
Doctors often recommend trying over-the-counter NSAIDs like ibuprofen first and then prescribing stronger medications if OA symptoms persist. Using a combination of different tablets that work in different ways can provide the most effective osteoarthritis pain relief.
What criteria should you consider when choosing an osteoarthritis tablet?
Here are some key factors to consider when selecting an osteoarthritis tablet:
- Type of pain relief needed – Some tablets like acetaminophen mainly reduce pain, while others like NSAIDs also lower inflammation.
- Time of onset – Some medications act quickly while others take weeks to reach full effect.
- Duration of action – How long does the pain relief last? Short-acting vs. extended release.
- Side effects – Consider potential adverse effects like stomach upset, drowsiness, dizziness.
- Other medical conditions – Choose tablets that don’t interfere with other conditions you may have.
- Convenience – Frequency of doses. Tablet vs. capsule vs. liquid forms.
- Cost and insurance coverage – Compare prices if paying out-of-pocket. Check which tablets are covered by your insurance.
Discuss your unique osteoarthritis symptoms and medical history with your doctor to determine which tablet medication is right for you.
What are the best over-the-counter tablets for osteoarthritis?
These are some of the best over-the-counter (OTC) tablet options for managing osteoarthritis pain and inflammation without a prescription:
Acetaminophen
- Active ingredient: Acetaminophen
- Brand names: Tylenol, Mapap, Anacin
- Dosages available: 325mg, 500mg, 650mg
- How it works: Blocks pain signals in the brain but does not reduce inflammation
- Pros: Gentle on stomach, few side effects, inexpensive
- Cons: Can cause liver damage at high doses. Take no more than 3000mg daily.
NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs)
- Active ingredients: Ibuprofen, naproxen sodium, aspirin
- Brand names: Advil, Motrin, Aleve, Bayer, Excedrin
- Dosages available: 200-800mg ibuprofen; 220-660mg naproxen sodium; 81-325mg aspirin
- How they work: Block COX enzymes to reduce inflammation and pain
- Pros: Effective for inflammation, pain, fever; low cost
- Cons: Can cause GI ulcers or bleeding with long-term use
Glucosamine and Chondroitin
- Active ingredients: Glucosamine hydrochloride or sulfate, chondroitin sulfate
- Brand names: Osteo Bi-Flex, Schiff, Nature Made, Vitamin Shoppe
- Dosages available: 500-1500mg glucosamine; 200-1200mg chondroitin
- How they work: Building blocks of cartilage to support joint health
- Pros: Few side effects reported; may slow OA progression
- Cons: May take weeks to experience benefits
Talk to your pharmacist or doctor about proper dosage and safety before taking any OTC medications long-term.
What prescription tablets are available for osteoarthritis?
If over-the-counter tablets are not effective enough, doctors may prescribe stronger medication options for osteoarthritis pain relief. Here are some common prescription tablet treatments:
NSAIDs
- Active ingredients: Celecoxib, meloxicam, diclofenac, indomethacin
- Brand names: Celebrex, Mobic, Voltaren, Indocin
- How they work: Block COX enzymes to reduce inflammation and pain
- Pros: Stronger anti-inflammatory effects than OTC NSAIDs
- Cons: Increased risk of cardiovascular side effects; still can cause GI issues
Tramadol
- Active ingredient: Tramadol hydrochloride
- Brand names: Ultram, ConZip, Ryzolt
- How it works: Weak opioid that changes pain perception in the brain
- Pros: Effective for moderate to severe osteoarthritis pain
- Cons: Potential for dependence and misuse; side effects like nausea
Duloxetine
- Active ingredient: Duloxetine hydrochloride
- Brand name: Cymbalta
- How it works: SNRI that blocks pain signals in the brain and spinal cord
- Pros: Treats chronic musculoskeletal pain
- Cons: Nausea, drowsiness, dry mouth, dizziness
Prescription NSAIDs and pain medications should be used with caution under medical supervision due to potential side effects.
What are the side effects to watch out for with osteoarthritis tablets?
When taking any medication for osteoarthritis, it’s important to be aware of potential adverse side effects:
- NSAIDs: stomach ulcers, GI bleeding, kidney problems, increased blood pressure, fluid retention
- Acetaminophen: liver damage at high doses
- Tramadol: nausea, dizziness, constipation, headache, dependence
- Duloxetine: nausea, dry mouth, fatigue, insomnia, blurred vision
- Glucosamine/chondroitin: mild GI upset, diarrhea (rare)
Do not exceed recommended dosages. Seek medical help if you experience signs of an allergic reaction, liver damage, or bleeding/ulcers. Talk to your doctor about managing side effects if they become bothersome.
How do you choose the right strength tablet for osteoarthritis?
Factors to consider when choosing tablet strength include:
- Level of osteoarthritis pain and inflammation
- Parts of the body affected
- Past response to certain medications
- Other health conditions and medications being taken
- Age and body mass index
In general:
- Mild OA pain: 325-650mg acetaminophen or 200mg ibuprofen
- Moderate OA pain: 500-1000mg acetaminophen or 400-600mg ibuprofen
- Severe OA pain: prescription NSAIDs, tramadol, duloxetine
- Maximum daily doses depend on the tablet – do not exceed
Start at lower dosages first, especially for seniors. It’s easier to increase strength later if needed. Always follow dosage instructions and doctor recommendations.
How often can you take osteoarthritis tablets per day?
The frequency osteoarthritis tablets can be taken per day depends on the medication:
- Acetaminophen: No more than 4,000mg daily, spaced 6-8 hours apart
- Ibuprofen: 200-800mg every 4-6 hours as needed, up to 3200mg/day
- Naproxen sodium: 220-660mg every 8-12 hours, no more than 660mg/day
- Aspirin: 325-650mg every 4-6 hours, not to exceed 4000mg/day
- Celecoxib: 100-200mg twice daily based on dosage prescribed
- Tramadol: 50-100mg every 4-6 hours as needed
It’s important not to exceed maximum daily amounts. Always follow prescribed directions. Let pain levels guide how often to take osteoarthritis tablets, within dosage limits.
Spreading out doses evenly throughout the day helps maintain consistent pain relief. Take tablets with food to reduce GI upset if needed.
Should you take osteoarthritis tablets with food?
It’s generally recommended to take osteoarthritis tablets with food, especially NSAIDs like ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin, and celecoxib. Taking them with food can help:
- Reduce stomach upset, indigestion, and abdominal pain
- Lessen the risk of ulcers and bleeding in the GI tract
- Allow NSAIDs to be absorbed more slowly and evenly into the bloodstream
- Blunt spikes in medication levels that increase side effects
Acetaminophen, glucosamine, chondroitin, and tramadol can typically be taken with or without food. But eating may help avoid rare instances of nausea or stomach discomfort.
In most cases, take osteoarthritis tablets with a full glass of water and a meal or snack. Discuss any GI side effects with your doctor – they may recommend an acid-reducing medication to take alongside NSAIDs.
How long does it take for osteoarthritis tablets to work?
The time it takes osteoarthritis tablets to start providing pain relief can range from less than an hour to several weeks depending on the medication:
- Acetaminophen: 30-60 minutes
- Ibuprofen: 30-60 minutes
- Naproxen: 1-2 hours
- Aspirin: 30-60 minutes
- Celecoxib: 1-2 hours
- Tramadol: 60-90 minutes
- Glucosamine: 2-6 weeks
- Chondroitin: 4+ weeks
- Duloxetine: 1-2 weeks
Acetaminophen and NSAIDs like ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin work the fastest to relieve osteoarthritis pain. Prescription NSAIDs, tramadol, and duloxetine take effect within a few hours.
Glucosamine and chondroitin supplements need to build up in the body over weeks to reach their full effects. Have patience when starting new OA medications and take them consistently.
Conclusion
Osteoarthritis tablet medications can provide significant pain relief, reduce inflammation, improve joint mobility, and enhance quality of life. Over-the-counter options like acetaminophen and NSAIDs work well for mild to moderate OA. Prescription tablets offer stronger effects for more advanced cases when other treatments fall short.
Consider the type of pain relief needed, time of onset, duration of action, side effects, other medical conditions, cost, and convenience when choosing osteoarthritis tablets. Work closely with your doctor to find the right medication regimen tailored to your needs and lifestyle.