Strategies For Treating Pericarditis

Corticosteroids

Corticosteroids are medications that reduce inflammation throughout the body, and they can also reduce pain. These medications are used in pericarditis patients who have severe chest pain that does not respond to over-the-counter pain relievers and colchicine. Prednisone is one of the most commonly prescribed corticosteroids for patients with pericarditis. While taking this medication, patients should be aware of potential side effects, which include unusual weight gain, an irregular heartbeat, blurry vision, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, and swelling in the hands or feet. Some patients may also feel weak and develop muscle cramps, and signs of infection, including fevers and sore throats, have been reported. Patients should report these and any other new or worrying side effects to their healthcare team as soon as possible.