Which medication is NOT typically used in the treatment of osteoarthritis?

Methotrexate (MTX) is not typically used in the treatment of osteoarthritis. It is primarily an immunosuppressive agent that is more commonly prescribed for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and certain cancers due to its ability to inhibit the proliferation of rapidly dividing cells and its immunomodulatory effects. In the context of osteoarthritis, which is a degenerative joint disease characterized by wear-and-tear of cartilage and underlying bone without the same systemic inflammatory components seen in rheumatoid arthritis, MTX does not have a role.

In contrast, medications like aspirin (ASA), Celebrex (a COX-2 selective NSAID), and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are often used to manage pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis. These medications can help alleviate symptoms and improve joint function by targeting pain pathways and reducing inflammatory processes directly related to the physical deterioration of the joints.