Costochondritis

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Treatments and drugs

By Mayo Clinic staff

Costochondritis usually goes away on its own. The pain usually lasts a week or two and then resolves.

To ease your pain until it fades, your doctor may recommend:

  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others) and naproxen (Aleve)
  • Antidepressants, specifically a category of medicines called tricyclic antidepressants, if pain is making it difficult to sleep at night
  • Muscle relaxants, which can also help ease pain

DS00626

Jan. 31, 2008

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