From the Research
Medication Options for Myalgia in Pneumonia and Fever
- Acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are first-line treatment options for most patients with acute mild to moderate pain, including myalgia 1.
- Topical NSAIDs are recommended for non-low back, musculoskeletal injuries, which may be applicable to myalgia in pneumonia and fever 1.
- Selective cyclooxygenase-2 NSAIDs are a more expensive treatment alternative and are used to avoid the gastrointestinal adverse effects of nonselective NSAIDs 1.
- Adjunctive medications, such as muscle relaxants, may be added as appropriate for specific conditions if the recommended dose and schedule of first-line agents are inadequate 1.
- For severe or refractory acute pain, treatment can be briefly escalated with the use of medications that work on opioid and monoamine receptors (e.g., tramadol, tapentadol) or with the use of acetaminophen/opioid or NSAID/opioid combinations 1.
Considerations for Patients with Pneumonia and Fever
- Patients with pneumonia and fever may require careful consideration of medication options due to potential interactions with other treatments or underlying health conditions 2.
- Steroids, such as prednisone, may be used to treat organizing pneumonia, but may also have an impact on myalgia symptoms 2.
- Non-pharmacologic pain management options, such as cold therapy, may be effective in reducing myalgia pain levels and could be considered in addition to medication 3.
Additional Treatment Approaches
- Symptomatic therapy for myalgia may include different avenues, such as treating underlying conditions like inflammation or hypothyroidism, or using medications like pregabalin, gabapentin, or amitriptyline 4.
- Understanding the underlying causes of myalgia, such as tissue acidosis or oxidative stress, may provide novel therapeutic strategies for treatment 5.