Which medications are typically prescribed for pericarditis?

• A. Antibiotics and diuretics.
• B. Anti-inflammatory agents and corticosteroids.
• C. Anticoagulants and lipid-lowering agents.
• D. Vasodilators and inotropes.

Answer: (B)

Pericarditis is an inflammatory condition of the pericardial sac, so treatment centers on reducing inflammation and relieving pain. Anti-inflammatory drugs are used first because they directly target the inflammatory process in the pericardium. Corticosteroids are added in specific situations—such as when NSAIDs are not tolerated, there’s a poor response to NSAIDs, or the etiology is autoimmune or recurrent—since they provide stronger suppression of inflammation. Other options don’t fit the typical approach: antibiotics are reserved for bacterial pericarditis, diuretics address fluid balance rather than inflammation, anticoagulants and lipid-lowering agents don’t treat the inflammatory process and can be inappropriate depending on the situation, and vasodilators with inotropes are used for heart failure or shock, not as primary therapy for pericarditis.