Pharmacologic considerations in the management of temporomandibular disorders

Abstract

The management of patients with temporomandibular disorders may involve the use of a number of modalities, including pharmacotherapy. This manuscript provides an overview of the pharmacology of agents currently employed for this purpose, with an emphasis on the major drug group used, the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). A brief discussion of opioid analgesics, tricyclic antidepressants, muscle relaxants, benzodiazepines, steroids, and local anaesthetics is also included, and guidelines for their use are suggested.