Codeine-based cough syrups to control the coughThere may be a role for the use of corticosteroids (for tuberculous pleurisy), tacrolimus (Prograf) and methotrexate (Trexall, Rheumatrex) in the treatment of pleurisy. Further studies are needed. Lifestyle changes
The following may be helpful in the management of pleurisy:

Lying on the painful side may be more comfortable
Breathing deeply and coughing to clear mucus as the pain eases. Otherwise, pneumonia may develop. Getting rest

Treating the cause
Ideally, the treatment of pleurisy is aimed at eliminating the underlying cause of the disease. If the pleural fluid is infected, treatment involves antibiotics and draining the fluid. If the infection is tuberculosis or from a fungus, treatment involves long-term use of antibiotics or antifungal medicines. If the fluid is caused by tumors of the pleura, it may build up again quickly after it is drained. Sometimes anti-tumor medicines prevent further fluid buildup. If they dont, the doctor may seal the pleural space. This is called pleurodesis. Pleurodesis involves the drainage of all the fluid out of the chest through a chest tube. A substance is inserted through the chest tube into the pleural space. This substance irritates the surface of the pleura. This causes the two layers of the pleurae to squeeze shut so there is no room for more fluid to build up. Chemotherapy or radiation treatment also may be used to reduce the size of the tumors.
References
External links

Tim Kenny; Colin Tidy (2002–2013). "Pleurisy and Pleuritic Pain". patient.info. Retrieved 30 June 2013. The Lung Association of Canada explanation of Pleurisy (also available in French)
Pleurisy by the American Academy of Family Physicians