13 Musculoskeletal, Dermatologic, and Ophthalmic Medications
Review the typical uses, drug classes, and key distinctions among medications for musculoskeletal, skin, and eye conditions.
How to compare medications
Knowing a medication’s generic name, brand name, drug class, and typical use helps distinguish medicines that may treat similar symptoms but work differently. Brand names vary by country and product; the brand examples below are primarily U.S. names.
Musculoskeletal medications
Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn) are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Both reduce pain and inflammation. Ibuprofen is used for pain and inflammation, including arthritis and muscle aches; naproxen is used for pain and inflammation, including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
NSAIDs can cause gastrointestinal bleeding and cardiovascular risks, especially with higher doses or prolonged use.
(Amrix; Flexeril is a familiar older brand) is a centrally acting skeletal muscle relaxant. It is used for short-term relief of muscle spasm associated with acute musculoskeletal problems and may cause drowsiness.
(Fosamax) is a bisphosphonate that slows bone breakdown. It is used to prevent and treat osteoporosis and is also used for Paget disease of bone.
(Trexall) is an antimetabolite and disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD). It is used for rheumatoid arthritis and severe psoriasis. For these conditions, it is commonly taken once weekly, not daily, so its prescribed schedule must be followed carefully.
Dermatologic medications
Topical (Cortizone-10) is a corticosteroid used for itching, redness, and inflammation from selected skin conditions. Topical corticosteroids reduce skin inflammation.
Topical (Retin-A, Altreno) is a retinoid used for acne; some formulations are also used for fine wrinkles. Topical retinoids are commonly used for acne. Oral (Absorica, Claravis) is a systemic retinoid reserved for severe nodular acne that has not responded to other treatments. It has major pregnancy-related safety restrictions and requires strict pregnancy-prevention safeguards.
Topical (Lotrimin AF) is an imidazole antifungal used for fungal skin infections such as athlete’s foot, ringworm, and jock itch. Topical is a scabicide and pediculicide: Elimite is a scabies cream, while Nix is a lice lotion. The formulation determines whether it is used for scabies or head lice.
Ophthalmic medications
(Xalatan) is a prostaglandin analog used for glaucoma or ocular hypertension. It lowers eye pressure by increasing fluid outflow.
Ophthalmic (Timoptic) is a beta-blocker used for glaucoma. It lowers eye pressure partly by reducing fluid production. The distinction is that increases fluid outflow, whereas decreases fluid production.
Ophthalmic (Ciloxan) is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic used for bacterial eye infections, including conjunctivitis and corneal ulcers. It treats susceptible bacterial infections and does not treat viral conjunctivitis.
Distinctions to remember
Use the drug class and mechanism to distinguish medications that may have related uses:
Ibuprofen and naproxen are NSAIDs that reduce pain and inflammation.
is a bisphosphonate used for osteoporosis; is a DMARD used for rheumatoid arthritis and severe psoriasis.
reduces skin inflammation. and are retinoids used for acne, while is an antifungal and treats mites or lice.
and lower eye pressure through different mechanisms: increased fluid outflow versus reduced fluid production. ophthalmic is an antibiotic for susceptible bacterial eye infections.