Medications and Drugs
Cox-2 Inhibitors
Pharmacy Author: Omudhome Ogbru, PharmD
Medical and Pharmacy Editor: Jay W. Marks, MD
What are NSAIDs and what are Cox-2 inhibitors?
Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are a class of drugs that
reduce inflammation but are
different from steroids, another class of drugs that also reduces inflammation.
NSAIDs reduce pain, fever, and swelling and are commonly prescribed for the
inflammation of the joints (arthritis) and other tissues, such as in
tendinitis
and bursitis. Examples of NSAIDs include:
NSAIDs are used frequently by
millions of individuals for treatment of pain, fever and swelling caused by
inflammatory conditions as well as for pain alone. NSAIDs work by blocking the
production of prostaglandins, chemical messengers that often are responsible for
the pain and swelling of inflammatory conditions.
Prostaglandins are made by two different enzymes, cyclooxygenase-1
(COX-1)
and cyclooxygenase-2
(COX-2). The prostaglandins made by the two different enzymes have slightly
different effects on the body. COX-2 inhibitors are NSAIDs that selectively
block the COX-2 enzyme and not the COX-1 enzyme. Blocking this enzyme impedes
the production of prostaglandins by the COX-2 enzyme that often cause the pain
and swelling of inflammation and other painful conditions. Because they
selectively block the COX-2 enzyme and not the COX-1 enzyme, these drugs are
uniquely different from traditional NSAIDs which usually block both COX-1 and
COX-2 enzymes.
COX-2 inhibitors are used for treating:
What is the basic difference between traditional NSAIDs and COX-2 inhibitors?
COX-1 is an enzyme which is normally present in a
variety of tissues in the body, including sites of inflammation and the stomach. Some of the
prostaglandins made by COX-1 protect the inner lining of the stomach. Common
NSAIDs such as aspirin block both COX-1 and COX-2 (see below). When the COX-1
enzyme is blocked, inflammation is reduced, but the protection of the lining of
the stomach also is lost. This can cause stomach upset as well as
ulceration and
bleeding from the stomach and even the intestines.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
- Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) - Describes Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), which are medications used primarily to treat inflammation, mild to moderate pain, and fever.
- Abdominal Pain - Learn about abdominal pain (pain in the stomach / abdomen) including causes, symptoms, how abdominal pain is diagnosed, and how abdominal pain is treated.
- Drug Interactions - Learn about potential drug interactions you may be exposed to. Drug interactions can occur with prescription drugs, OTC medication, vitamins, herbs, and supplements.
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