For a patient with pericarditis, what medication is improperly recommended for initial therapy if they experience incomplete response?

In the management of pericarditis, the first-line therapy typically involves the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin or diclofenac, and colchicine as adjunct therapy. When a patient exhibits an incomplete response to initial treatment, corticosteroids like prednisone are often considered a secondary option.

However, corticosteroids are generally not the preferred choice for initial therapy, particularly when other effective treatments are available. They may also be associated with a higher risk of recurrence and should be used with caution and typically reserved for cases that do not respond adequately to NSAIDs and colchicine. This is why corticosteroids like prednisone are seen as improperly recommended for initial therapy in the case of an incomplete response.

Colchicine, aspirin, and diclofenac are all appropriate initial treatments for pericarditis, particularly for symptom relief and reducing inflammation. If there is an inadequate response to these agents, corticosteroids can then be used more judiciously as part of the treatment plan.