Which of the following is not a DMARDs in treatment of RA ?
**Core Concept:** DMARDs (Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs) are medications used to slow down the progression of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) by reducing joint inflammation and preventing joint damage. They are categorized into early treatment (sometimes called "biologic") and conventional DMARDs.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right:** The correct answer is "A", as it represents a type of medication that does not fit into the category of DMARDs:
**Why Option A is Incorrect:** Option A refers to "Steroid drugs", which are not considered conventional DMARDs. They primarily act as potent anti-inflammatory agents and are used to manage symptoms in acute phases of arthritis.
**Why Option B is Incorrect:** Option B mentions "Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)", which have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties but are not considered DMARDs. NSAIDs primarily target inflammation but do not address the underlying immune system dysfunction in RA.
**Why Option C is Incorrect:** Option C refers to "Corticosteroids", which are also not considered conventional DMARDs. Corticosteroids primarily act as potent anti-inflammatory agents, providing symptomatic relief, but do not address the underlying disease process in RA.
**Why Option D is Incorrect:** Option D represents "Calcium Channel Blockers", which are used primarily for cardiovascular conditions and have no specific role in managing RA. While they may have some anti-inflammatory effects, they do not fit the criteria of conventional DMARDs.
**Clinical Pearl:** A correct choice for DMARDs would be "Hydroxychloroquine", a medication primarily used to treat autoimmune diseases like RA. It works by modulating the immune system and reducing inflammation. Hydroxychloroquine is considered a conventional DMARD because it targets the underlying disease process in RA, which is a key characteristic of DMARDs.
---
**Question:** Which of the following is not a DMARD (Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drug) in the treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis?
A. Steroid drugs
B. Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
C. Corticosteroids
D. Calcium Channel Blockers
**Correct Answer:** D. Calcium Channel Blockers
---
**Core Concept:** DMARDs, or Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs, are a class of medications primarily used to treat Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). They aim to slow down the progression of the disease and prevent joint damage. DMARDs work by modulating the immune system and reducing inflammation, which is crucial for managing RA.
**Why Option A is Incorrect:** Steroid drugs, such as corticosteroids, primarily target inflammation and reduce pain and swelling in RA. However, they are not considered DMARDs since they do not address the underlying disease process of RA, which DMARDs are designed to address.
**Why Option B is Incorrect:** Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) primarily target pain