What type of drugs are typically used to control inflammation?

Glucocorticoids and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the primary types of medications used to control inflammation in various conditions.

Glucocorticoids are steroid hormones that can effectively reduce inflammation by suppressing the immune response and inhibiting the production of inflammatory mediators. They are often used in situations where inflammation is severe and needs to be quickly reduced, such as in allergic reactions or autoimmune diseases.

NSAIDs work by blocking the enzyme cyclooxygenase (COX), which is responsible for the production of prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are compounds that promote inflammation, pain, and fever. By reducing the levels of these compounds, NSAIDs help to alleviate pain and swelling associated with inflammation.

In contrast, analgesics and antipyretics are primarily aimed at pain relief and fever reduction rather than targeting the underlying inflammatory process. Antibiotics and antifungals are designed to combat infections caused by bacteria and fungi, respectively. Antivirals and sulfonamides target viral infections and specific bacterial infections, but they do not have a primary role in managing inflammation. Therefore, glucocorticoids and NSAIDs are the correct answer when it comes to controlling inflammation.