by EBSCO Medical Review Board
Prescription MedicinesOver-the-counter Medicines

Medicines are used to ease swelling in the carpal tunnel. Here are the basics about each of the medicines below. Only common problems with them are listed.

Glucocorticoids
  • Prednisone
  • Prednisolone
  • Triamcinolone
  • Dexamethasone
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
  • Indomethacin
  • Naproxen
  • Celecoxib
  • Diclofenac
  • Etodolac
  • Flurbiprofen
  • Ketoprofen
  • Meloxicam
  • Nabumetone
  • Oxaprozin
  • Sulindac
  • Piroxicam
  • Diflunisal
Cortisone injectionNonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)—lower doses
  • Aspirin
  • Ibuprofen
  • Naproxen

Prescription Medicines

Glucocorticoids

These medicines can help ease swelling. They can have side effects when taken for a long time. This is why they are often used for a short time.

Common names are:

  • Prednisone
  • Prednisolone
  • Dexamethasone
  • Triamcinolone
Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

NSAIDs also help ease swelling. They can be taken for a long time, but they do have side effects. There are many types of NSAIDs. Each is slightly different.

Some common names are:

  • Indomethacin
  • Naproxen
  • Celecoxib
  • Diclofenac
  • Etodolac
  • Flurbiprofen
  • Ketoprofen
  • Meloxicam
  • Nabumetone
  • Oxaprozin
  • Sulindac
  • Piroxicam
  • Diflunisal

NSAIDs can cause problems in people who have had an ulcer or gastritis.

"Cortisone" Injection

A cortisone injection delivers synthetic glucocorticoid medicine into the carpal tunnel. It can ease swelling and pressure. It may be used when other methods do not ease pain.

Bleeding and infection can happen from injections. This is rare.

Over the Counter Medicines

Lower doses of NSAIDs are:

  • Aspirin
  • Ibuprofen
  • Naproxen

Even lower doses of NSAIDs can cause problems in people who have had an ulcer or gastritis.

References

Carpal tunnel syndrome. American Society for Surgery of the Hand website. Available at: https://handcare.assh.org/Anatomy/Details-Page/ArticleID/27950/Carpal-Tunnel-Syndrome. Accessed May 3, 2022.

Carpal tunnel syndrome. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/carpal-tunnel-syndrome. Accessed May 3, 2022.

Carpal tunnel syndrome fact sheet. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke website. Available at: http://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/patient-caregiver-education/fact-sheets/carpal-tunnel-syndrome-fact-sheet. Accessed May 3, 2022.

Clinical Practice Guideline on Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons website. Available at: https://www.aaos.org/quality/quality-programs/upper-extremity-programs/carpal-tunnel-syndrome. Accessed May 3, 2022.

Revision Information

  • Reviewer: EBSCO Medical Review Board James P. Cornell, MD
  • Review Date: 03/2022
  • Update Date: 05/03/2022