Which medications are typically prescribed for pericarditis?

• A. Antibiotics only
• B. Beta-blockers
• C. Anti-inflammatory medicines and corticosteroids.
• D. Anticoagulants only

Answer: (C)

Pericarditis is an inflammatory condition of the pericardial sac, so the main goal is to reduce inflammation and relieve pain while preventing recurrence. The typical first-line approach uses anti-inflammatory medicines, often with colchicine, to directly address the inflammation and symptoms. Corticosteroids are added only in specific situations (for example, when NSAIDs are not suitable or the inflammation is autoimmune-related) and are used with caution to avoid recurrences.

Antibiotics would only be appropriate if there were a bacterial infection causing the pericarditis, which is not the usual scenario. Beta-blockers don’t target pericardial inflammation and aren’t standard treatment for the condition itself. Anticoagulants don’t treat the inflammatory process and can raise risks in the setting of pericardial effusion or hemorrhage.

So the best approach centers on anti-inflammatory therapy, with corticosteroids used selectively, making that option the correct choice.