Which medication type may be used for pain relief and reduces inflammation?

The correct answer is that anti-inflammatory drugs are specifically designed to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. These medications, which include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and naproxen, target the pathway of inflammation and pain signaling in the body. By inhibiting certain enzymes involved in the inflammatory process, anti-inflammatory drugs decrease swelling and discomfort, making them effective for conditions related to inflammation, such as arthritis or muscle injuries.

In contrast, antibiotics are primarily used to fight bacterial infections and do not have a direct effect on inflammation or pain relief. Corticosteroids can reduce inflammation and pain as well, but they belong to a different class of medications that are used systemically or locally and are more potent with significant side effects if used long-term. Antidepressants may have some utility in managing chronic pain conditions, particularly when there is a neuropathic component, but they do not specifically address inflammation and are not typically used for immediate pain relief.