Pharmacological Management Strategies Research Articles

LT4/LT3 Combination Therapy vs. Monotherapy with LT4 for Persistent Symptoms of Hypothyroidism: A Systematic Review.

Regardless of the cause, hypothyroidism should be treated with levothyroxine. The objectives of management are the normalization of TSH levels and the relief of symptoms. In general, the vast majority of patients who achieve normalization of TSH levels show a resolution of symptoms; however, for a small number of individuals, symptoms persist (despite adequate control of TSH). This scenario generates a dilemma in the therapeutic approach to these patients, because even when excluding other causes or concomitant diseases that can explain the persistence of symptoms, pharmacological management strategies are scarce. Consequently, the efficacy of some less conventional approaches to therapy, such as the use of LT3 monotherapy, desiccated thyroid extracts, and LT4/LT3 combinations, in addressing persistent hypothyroid symptoms have been evaluated in multiple studies. The majority of these studies did not observe a significant benefit from these "nonconventional" therapies in comparison to results with LT4 monotherapy alone. Nevertheless, some studies report that a significant proportion of patients prefer an alternative to monotherapy with LT4. The most common approach has been to prescribe a combination of LT4 and LT3, and this review describes and analyzes the current evidence of the efficacy of LT4/LT3 combination therapy vs. LT4 monotherapy in addressing persistent hypothyroidism symptoms to provide suggested guidelines for clinicians in the management of these patients.

The efficacy and acceptability of anti-inflammatory omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplements in sepsis management: a network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Sepsis is a critical medical condition associated with high mortality for patients. Current pharmacological strategies for sepsis management or prevention had not achieved satisfactory results. The omega-3 fatty acids, with anti-inflammatory benefits, are considered to be promising agents for sepsis management/prevention. The aim of this network meta-analysis (NMA) is to compare the efficacy of various dosages and formulations of fish oil supplements for sepsis management and sepsis prevention. The current NMA consisted of two parts: (1) sepsis management and (2) sepsis prevention. The PubMed, ClinicalKey, Embase, ProQuest, Cochrane CENTRAL, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases were systematically searched to date of February 22nd, 2024 for relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs). RCTs were eligible for inclusion if they enrolled participants with a diagnosis of sepsis or who with high risk for sepsis. All NMA procedures were conducted under the frequentist model. The primary outcomes assessed are (1) mortality rate in sepsis treatment or (2) incidence of sepsis in sepsis prevention. Our NMA, based on 28 RCTs and 1718 participants (mean age=51.6 years, mean female proportion=35.6 %), showed that (1) high dose parenteral fish oil supplement yield the lowest mortality rate in sepsis management in adult patients, and (2) high dose enteral fish oil supplement yield the lowest incidence of sepsis in pediatric patients. This study provides compelling evidence that high-dose fish oil supplements provide beneficial effects for both sepsis management and sepsis prevention. Our findings provide a preliminary rationale for future large-scale RCTs to investigate the role of fish oil supplementation in sepsis management or prevention.

Recent Progress in Poly (Lactic-co-Glycolic Acid)-Based Biodegradable Drug Delivery Carriers for Pain Management

Pain, a prevalent clinical symptom, significantly demands attention in the current public health system due to its profound impact on patients’ quality of life, daily activities, and economic circumstances. Despite being a pervasive issue, many forms of pain remain ineffectively addressed, hence posing an enormous burden on patients. Pharmaceutical treatments, the first-line approach for various forms of pain, continue to face considerable challenges due to their limited efficacy, lack of long-lasting effects, and adverse side effects. In recent years, the rapid advancements in science and technology, especially the incorporation of micro and nano technologies across various domains, have accelerated the development of novel therapeutics. This review underscores the merits and drawbacks of different pharmacological strategies for pain management. It focuses on the research progress and applications of poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid)(PLGA) as drug delivery carriers, elucidating their potential therapeutic influence over pain management. The review concludes with a thorough summary of current research outcomes and limitations, a discussion of potential clinical transformations, and projections for future pain management research and effective care strategies.

Pharmaceutical Modulation of Intracranial Aneurysm Development and Rupture.

Management of intracranial aneurysms (IAs) is determined by patient age, risk of rupture, and comorbid conditions. While endovascular and microsurgical interventions offer solutions to mitigate the risk of rupture, pharmacological management strategies may complement these approaches or serve as alternatives in appropriate cases. The pathophysiology of IAs allows for the targeting of inflammation to prevent the development and rupture of IAs. The aim of this review is to provide an updated summary of different pharmaceutical management strategies for IAs. Acetylsalicylic acid and renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) inhibitor antihypertensives have some evidence supporting their protective effect. Studies of selective cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors, statins, ADP inhibitors, and other metabolism-affecting drugs have demonstrated inconclusive findings regarding their association with aneurysm growth or rupture. In this manuscript, we highlight the evidence supporting each drug's effectiveness.

Contemporary Management of Obesity: A Comparison of Bariatric Metabolic Surgery and Novel Incretin Mimetic Drugs.

The global prevalence of obesity has risen sharply during the past half-century, reaching pandemic proportions and creating a public health crisis. Obesity is a recognized risk factor for the development of diabetes, atherosclerosis, hypertension, hepatic steatosis, and many other cardiometabolic disorders with significant resultant morbidity and mortality. Though treatment of obesity can prevent or slow the progression of the aforementioned illnesses, efforts to help patients achieve reliable and sustainable weight loss have had limited success. Improving nutrition and increasing physical activity results in a host of health benefits; however, the weight loss achieved with lifestyle interventions alone is modest and difficult to sustain. Early attempts at medical and surgical treatment of obesity were plagued with adverse effects and complications. Moreover, these approaches failed to demonstrate long-term health benefits, even when weight loss was achieved. Recently, novel incretin-based therapies targeting glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptors have gained popularity because of their effectiveness in achieving substantial weight loss in patients both with and without diabetes. Following many successful clinical trials, there are now multiple GLP-1 receptor agonists and one dual GLP-1-GIP receptor agonist approved by the Food and Drug Administration for chronic weight management. Advancements in laparoscopic surgical technique and refinements in procedure selection have similarly improved the safety and efficacy of bariatric metabolic surgery for patients with obesity. In this review, we discuss the advantages and disadvantages of contemporary pharmacologic and surgical weight management strategies. We review the data regarding expected weight loss, glycemic control, cardiometabolic benefits, and potential adverse effects of various treatment approaches. As obesity rates continue to rise worldwide, it is imperative that clinicians keep these considerations in mind in order to better care for patients.

Specialized Physiotherapy and Pharmacological Management Strategies in Optimizing Chronic Lower Back Pain Rehabilitation

Specialized Physiotherapy and Pharmacological Management Strategies in Optimizing Chronic Lower Back Pain Rehabilitation

A Randomized Controlled Trial to Assess the Effectiveness of Warm Foot Soak Therapy on Reduction of Blood Pressure among Hypertensive Patients

Introduction : Hypertension is known as the “silent killer” because of its uncertain symptom. Therefore, early detection efforts are needed such as regular blood pressure check and effective management. Both Pharmacological and Non-pharmacological management strategies for hypertension. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of one of the non-pharmacological management : “warm water foot soak therapy” in reduction of blood pressure among hypertensive patients. Method : Experimental study design - Randomized Controlled Trial was conducted among 60 hypertensive patients using convenient sampling technique. Participants were randomly and equally allocated into Experimental and Control group with the help of computer generated randomization list. Sequentially Numbered Opaque Sealed Envelope (SNOSE) were used for allocation concealment. Experimental group received “Warm foot soak therapy” of both feet for 10-15 cm above ankle in warm water of temperature 37-40 degree Celsius for 15 minutes, once a day for 3 consecutive days. Before and after intervention blood pressure assessment were taken in both groups. Data were analyzed using SPSS ver. 27 Result : Homogenity of socio-demographic, clinical and pre-intervention blood pressure among both groups were statistically established using chi-square test (p> 0.05). Paired t test concluded that, warm foot soak therapy were having statistically significant effect on blood pressure ( p < 0.05) and there was a significant reduction in blood pressure among hypertensive patients (p=0.01). The study also discovered that there is no significant association between selected sociodemographic & clinical variables with pre-interventional change in blood pressure except for the dietary pattern (Veg) in both groups & presence of comorbidity (DM) in experimental group among hypertensive patients at level of significance 0.05. Conclusion : The study demonstrated that warm foot soak therapy have an effect on reduction of blood pressure among hypertensive patients.

Pharmacologic Management of Parkinsonism and Other Movement Disorders

Parkinsonism and other movement disorders constitute a diverse group of neurodegenerative conditions characterized by disturbances in motor control. This abstract provides an overview of the pharmacologic management strategies employed in the treatment of these disorders. Parkinson's disease, the most prevalent form of Parkinsonism, is primarily managed through dopaminergic therapies aimed at replenishing dopamine levels or enhancing its effects in the central nervous system. Levodopa, a precursor of dopamine, remains the gold standard, often combined with dopaminergic agonists or monoamine oxidase-B inhibitors for optimal efficacy.In addition to Parkinson's disease, other movement disorders such as essential tremor, dystonia, and chorea pose unique challenges. Beta-blockers and anticonvulsants, like primidone, are commonly prescribed for essential tremor, while dystonia may respond to anticholinergic agents or botulinum toxin injections. Huntington's disease, characterized by chorea, is managed through dopamine-depleting agents, tetrabenazine being a notable example.Recent advances in pharmacotherapy include the development of adenosine A2A receptor antagonists and glutamate receptor modulators, providing promising alternatives and adjuncts to traditional therapies. However, challenges such as medication-induced side effects, disease progression, and the need for personalized treatment plans persist.This abstract underscore the evolving landscape of pharmacologic interventions for managing Parkinsonism and other movement disorders. A comprehensive understanding of the underlying pathophysiology, coupled with ongoing research efforts, promises to enhance therapeutic options and improve the quality of life for individuals affected by these debilitating conditions.

Early postoperative cognitive decline—are there any preventive strategies for surgical patients in the emergency setting?

Postoperative neurocognitive impairments following surgery are a growing concern, especially in the elderly population, since it is associated with a significantly increased risk of morbi-mortality in the postoperative period. Among them, delirium or the early postoperative cognitive decline is associated with a further risk of prolonged cognitive dysfunction and it may quicken long-term cognitive impairment or postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD). The current knowledge regarding preventive strategies for delirium is not focused anymore only on pharmacological and behavioral management strategies in the postoperative period, but also supports the preoperative cognitive training programs. Since preoperative cognitive evaluation and proactive interventions to optimize surgical patient outcomes are rather impossible in the emergency setting, what are the appropriate preventive strategies that can be implemented in day-to-day practice? In this review, we try to highlight the most recent experimental and clinical strategies, and outline the most relevant recommendations for clinicial practicioners based on the available data.

Acute and Chronic Pain Management of the Urologic Patient

Objectives: Here, we review opioid-sparing or opioid-free anesthesia and pain management for urologic procedures and pathologies–urological pain syndromes, kidney stone pain management, development of post-surgical pain syndromes, and prevention. We explore acute management of perioperative pain during and after urologic procedures; additionally, we review the pathophysiology of various urologic pain syndromes along with a variety of interventions, including pharmacologic management, nerve blocks, neurolysis, and neuromodulatory therapies in hopes of educating providers who treat the urologic patient. Methods: Relevant literature on various topics related to acute and chronic urologic pain was reviewed and incorporated into this comprehensive overview. Relevant clinical treatments and treatment guidelines for managing pain related to various urological conditions and syndromes are discussed, compared, and contrasted and conclusions are drawn. Results and Discussion: Urological pathologies, procedures, pain syndromes and their pharmacologic and interventional pain management strategies are discussed. Conclusion: Acute and chronic pain remain essential components of postoperative morbidity, both in the urologic patient and otherwise. The opioid epidemic has further complicated perioperative management, but effective pain control is vital to improving patient outcomes. Close collaboration between urologists, anesthesiologists, and pain specialists is critical in improving patient care.

An Evidence-Based Treatment of Myofascial Pain and Myofascial Trigger Points in the Maxillofacial Area: A Narrative Review.

Myofascial pain (MFP) is characterized by localized pain in the maxillofacial region attributed to the presence of hypersensitive spots known as trigger points (TrPs). This condition is particularly prevalent in the maxillofacial area, warranting a comprehensive examination of evidence-based management techniques. This review aims to equip healthcare professionals with a more profound insight into evidence-based MFP management techniques, facilitating improved patient care and treatment outcomes. In this review, we conducted a thorough literature search using Google Scholar, Scopus, Web of Science (WOS), and MEDLINE, with the keywords "Myofascial pain syndrome," "Pain," and "Orofacial pain." Articles were selected based on their relevance to the study's objective. Pharmacological interventions, such as analgesics and muscle relaxants, are frequently prescribed. Additionally, a range of non-pharmacological modalities, including transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), ultrasound therapy, topical applications, dry needling, TrP injections, oral myofunctional therapy, and stretching exercises, have demonstrated efficacy in MFP management. The authors hope to give clinicians a more thorough understanding of the therapies for MFP by conducting a rigorous evidence-based evaluation of pharmacologic and non-pharmacological treatments. Our findings support the use of a combined approach that integrates both pharmacological and non-pharmacological strategies for the holistic management of TrPs.

Recognising and managing migraine.

Migraine is a common neurological disorder characterised by a severe, pulsating headache, sometimes accompanied with photophobia or phonophobia and nausea and/or vomiting. The symptoms of migraine can have a significant adverse effect on a person's ability to undertake normal activities. Nurses have an important role in assisting patients in identifying migraine triggers and in supporting them to manage the symptoms of migraines through lifestyle changes and pharmacological treatments. This article describes different types of migraines and some differential diagnoses and 'red flag' symptoms that could indicate a more serious condition. The author also discusses non-pharmacological and pharmacological management strategies and treatments.

The pathophysiology and management of depression in cardiac surgery patients

BackgroundDepression is common in the cardiac surgery population. This contemporary narrative review aims to explore the main pathophysiological disturbances underpinning depression specifically within the cardiac surgery population. The common non-pharmacological and pharmacological management strategies used to manage depression within the cardiac surgery patient population are also explored.MethodsA total of 1291 articles were identified through Ovid Medline and Embase. The findings from 39 studies were included for qualitative analysis in this narrative review.ResultsDepression is associated with several pathophysiological and behavioral factors which increase the likelihood of developing coronary heart disease which may ultimately require surgical intervention. The main pathophysiological factors contributing to depression are well characterized and include autonomic nervous system dysregulation, excessive inflammation and disruption of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis. There are also several behavioral factors in depressed patients associated with the development of coronary heart disease including poor diet, insufficient exercise, poor compliance with medications and reduced adherence to cardiac rehabilitation. The common preventative and management modalities used for depression following cardiac surgery include preoperative and peri-operative education, cardiac rehabilitation, cognitive behavioral therapy, religion/prayer/spirituality, biobehavioral feedback, anti-depressant medications, and statins.ConclusionThis contemporary review explores the pathophysiological mechanisms leading to depression following cardiac surgery and the current management modalities. Further studies on the preventative and management strategies for postoperative depression in the cardiac surgery patient population are warranted.

Emerging Urate-Lowering Drugs and Pharmacologic Treatment Strategies for Gout: A Narrative Review.

Hyperuricemia with consequent monosodium urate crystal deposition leads to gout, characterized by painful, incapacitating inflammatory arthritis flares that are also associated with increased cardiovascular event and related mortality risk. This narrative review focuses on emerging pharmacologic urate-lowering treatment (ULT) and management strategies in gout. Undertreated, gout can progress to palpable tophi and joint damage. In oral ULT clinical trials, target serum urate of < 6.0 mg/dL can be achieved in ~ 80-90% of subjects, with flare burden reduction by 1-2 years. However, real-world ULT results are far less successful, due to both singular patient nonadherence and prescriber undertreatment, particularly in primary care, where most patients are managed. Multiple dose titrations commonly needed to optimize first-line allopurinol ULT monotherapy, and substantial potential toxicities and other limitations of approved, marketed oral monotherapy ULT drugs, promote hyperuricemia undertreatment. Common gout comorbidities with associated increased mortality (e.g., moderate-severe chronic kidney disease [CKD], type 2 diabetes, hypertension, atherosclerosis, heart failure) heighten ULT treatment complexity and emphasize unmet needs for better and more rapid clinically significant outcomes, including attenuated gout flare burden. The gout drug armamentarium will be expanded by integrating sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors with uricosuric and anti-inflammatory properties as well as clinically indicated antidiabetic, nephroprotective, and/or cardioprotective effects. The broad ULT developmental pipeline is loaded with multiple uricosurics that selectively target uric acid transporter 1 (URAT1). Evolving ULT approaches include administering selected gut anaerobic purine degrading bacteria (PDB), modulating intestinal urate transport, and employing liver-targeted xanthine oxidoreductase mRNA knockdown. Last, emerging measures to decrease the immunogenicity of systemically administered recombinant uricases should simplify treatment regimens and further improve outcomes in managing the most severe gout phenotypes.

Weight Loss in Diabetes: Pharmacological Management and Other Strategies

Diabetes and obesity are prevalent metabolic disorders that present a significant global public health challenge. This review article provides a comprehensive overview of pharmacological and surgical management strategies for weight loss in diabetes. Diabetes, characterized by high blood glucose levels, and obesity, resulting from excessive body fat accumulation, are closely linked, making effective management essential. Pharmacological interventions for weight loss in diabetes include metformin, which can lead to modest weight reduction in some patients. GLP-1 receptor agonists, such as Semaglutide, liraglutide, and exenatide, offer effective glycemic control and weight loss options. Dual GIP/GLP-1 agonists, particularly Tirzepatide, show promise in treating diabetes and obesity with significant weight loss and glycemic control observed in clinical trials. SGLT-2 inhibitors, like dapagliflozin and empagliflozin, not only manage diabetes but also offer cardiovascular benefits and weight reduction. Amylin mimetics, exemplified by pramlintide, regulate post-meal glucose levels, suppress glucagon secretion, and promote satiety, leading to sustained weight reduction in diabetic patients. Gastric bypass surgery, an option for select individuals with obesity and diabetes, shows significant weight loss and improved metabolic profiles. By understanding these treatment options, healthcare professionals can develop personalized management plans combining lifestyle modifications, pharmacotherapy, and surgery where appropriate. Such approaches can lead to better patient outcomes, including weight loss and improved metabolic control. Ongoing research is essential to explore the long-term efficacy and safety of these interventions to optimize diabetes and obesity management in diverse patient populations.

Diagnosis and management of osteoporosis in Saudi Arabia: 2023 key updates from the Saudi Osteoporosis Society

SummaryThe Saudi Osteoporosis Society (SOS) has updated its guidelines for the diagnosis and management of osteoporosis in Saudi Arabia (SA), with emphasis on postmenopausal women. This document is relevant to all healthcare professionals in SA involved in the care of patients with osteoporosis and osteoporosis-related fractures.IntroductionThe SOS launched the first national osteoporosis guidelines in 2015 and spearheaded the Gulf Cooperation Council Countries (GCC) osteoporosis consensus report in 2020 which was under the auspices of the European Society for Clinical and Economic Aspects of Osteoporosis (ESCEO). This paper highlights a major update of the guidelines in the SA setting.MethodsThis guideline is an adaptation of the current guidelines derived from ESCEO, the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE), and the GCC osteoporosis consensus report and studies on osteoporosis done in SA. Where accessible, the timeliest systematic review, meta-analysis, and randomized controlled trials were used as evidence.ResultsThe present update includes new recommendations for the assessment of osteoporosis taking into consideration the Saudi model of FRAX for fracture probabilities, appropriate doses for the maintenance of vitamin D status and calcium, the use of representative blood analytes for therapy monitoring, the use of romosozumab and sequential therapy in the pharmacological management strategies, and the establishment of fracture liaison services to prevent secondary fractures.ConclusionThis updated guideline is for all healthcare professionals involved in osteoporosis and post-fracture care and management in SA and harmonized the most up-to-date changes in the field based on evidence-based medicine for use in the local setting.

768 Intraoperative Use of Intravenous Methadone and Post-Operative Opioid Requirements in Adult Burn Patients

Abstract Introduction Post-operative pain management can be a significant challenge in patients undergoing burn excision. Standard pharmacologic pain management strategies include both opioid and non-opioid medications. Given the national overuse of opioids and the associated negative repercussions, it is prudent that we find ways manage pain with fewer or no opioids. We hypothesize that intraoperative administration of intravenous methadone will reduce the total morphine milligram equivalents (MME) used in the 36 hours following surgery. Methods This is a retrospective single-center cohort study of adult burn patients who underwent a first excision of full thickness burn between January 2019 through January 2021. The exposure group received intraoperative methadone while the control group did not. The primary outcome was total MME utilized in the 36 hours following surgery. Secondary outcomes included average pain score and post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) total MME utilized. Chi squared tests were used for statistical analysis of categorical variables and unpaired t-tests were used for continuous variables. Results The control group contained 35 subjects and the methadone group contained 19 subjects who did not differ in baseline characteristics. The average burned total body surface area (TBSA) was 9% in the control group and 18% in the methadone group (t(53)=-3.9, p &amp;lt; 0.01). Intraoperative narcotic requirements did differ between groups due to intravenous methadone utilization in the intervention group (t(53)=-15, p &amp;lt; 0.01). In the early post-operative period, the methadone group received 155 MME while the control group received 137 MME (t(53)=-0.36, p = 0.72). While in the PACU, patients in the methadone group received 5 MME while the control group received 12 MME (t(53)=1.60, p=0.12). Patient pain scores did not differ significantly between the groups (t(53)=-0.15, p=0.88). Conclusions Intraoperative utilization of methadone for burn surgery did not affect post-operative opioid usage in the first 36 hours or post-operative pain scores in a statistically significant manner. We acknowledge the data set is not large enough to power the study to detect a significant difference; additional data collection is ongoing to include several hundred subjects. Confounding variables such as different multimodal pain regimen techniques, % TBSA, extent of surgical excision, and history of opioid tolerance may exist within this data set. Further analysis is warranted to adequately power this study and account for potential confounding variables. Applicability of Research to Practice Intraoperative use of intravenous methadone may reduce use of opioid medications in the early post-operative period.

Type 2 Diabetes: SGLT2i-Associated Genitourinary Infections and Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is considered an epidemic in the United States and presents a major economic strain on patients and the health care system. Patients taking sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) for T2D management are predisposed to genitourinary infections and Fournier gangrene. This article provides details on an overview of SGLT2i, including their use in the treatment of T2D, associated genitourinary infections and the effect of T2D on lower urinary tract (LUT) dysfunction. Nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic management strategies are also included to manage genitourinary side effects of SGLT2i and optimize bladder function and possibly minimize LUT dysfunction.

Weight Loss for Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Pharmacological and Surgical Management

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a relatively common sleep disorder characterized by repetitive narrowing or obstruction of the upper airway, including the nasal cavity, pharynx, and larynx, during sleep. OSA can cause a variety of symptoms and/or complications, such as excessive daytime sleepiness, reduced concentration, hypertension, type II diabetes, and stroke. Accordingly, an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatments are required for OSA. Obesity is an important risk factor for OSA and is characterized by the abnormal accumulation of fat in the body, including the upper airway. When the body weight increases, adipose tissue accumulates in the pharynx, which can narrow the diameter of the upper airway and lead to dysfunction of the pharynx dilator muscles. These changes caused by weight gain can cause or exacerbate OSA. Various therapeutic options exist for patients with overweight or obesity, including diet, behavioral modifications, exercise, pharmacological treatments, and surgical procedures. Of these, diet, behavioral modifications, and exercise constitute the first-line management for obesity. However, their results are relatively unsatisfactory, and pharmacotherapy and bariatric surgery are generally implemented in obese patients with OSA. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to review pharmacological and surgical management strategies for obesity that are currently commonly used in overweight or obese adult patients with OSA.

The Role of Oxytocin and Vasopressin in Drug-Induced Reward-Implications for Social and Non-Social Factors.

Drug abuse is a worldwide problem that leads to negative physical, mental, and economic consequences. Although pharmacological strategies for drug addiction management have been widely studied, therapeutic options with high efficacy and a low side-effects profile are still limited. Recently, there has been a growing interest in oxytocin (OT) and vasopressin (AVP) systems as potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of drug abuse. OT and AVP are hypothalamic neuropeptides involved in numerous physiological processes. Additionally, studies show that these neurohormones are highly implicated in the modulation of a wide range of behaviors. Interestingly, ample evidence has shown that both, OT and AVP are able to decrease the consumption of different drugs of abuse, as well as to ameliorate their rewarding and reinforcing effects. Furthermore, OT and AVP have been strongly involved in prosocial effects and social reward. In particular, OT has been shown to be able to shift drug-induced reward into social-induced reward, mainly due to its interaction with the dopaminergic system. This phenomenon is also reflected in the results of clinical trials where intranasal OT shows promising efficacy in managing substance use disorder. Therefore, the aim of this review is to comprehensively characterize the involvement of OT and AVP in the rewarding and other behavioral effects of drugs of abuse in animal models, with a particular highlight on the impact of social factors on the observed effects. Understanding this relationship may contribute to higher drug development success rates, as a result of a more profound and deliberate studies design.