Etoricoxib; Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Interactions

Etoricoxib
Etoricoxib is a synthetic, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) with antipyretic, analgesic, and potential antineoplastic properties. Etoricoxibspecifically binds to and inhibits the enzyme cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), resulting in inhibition of the conversion of arachidonic acid into prostaglandins. Inhibition of COX-2 may induce apoptosis and inhibit tumor cell proliferation and angiogenesis.
Etoricoxib is a new COX-2 selective inhibitor. Current therapeutic indications are treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, chronic low back pain, acute pain, and gout. Like any other COX-2 selective inhibitor, Etoricoxib selectively inhibits isoform 2 of cyclo-oxygenase enzyme (COX-2). This reduces the generation of prostaglandins (PGs) from arachidonic acid.

Mechanism of Action of Etoricoxib

Like any other selective COX-2 inhibitor (“coxib”), etoricoxib selectively inhibits isoform 2 of the enzyme cyclooxygenase (COX-2). It has approximately 106-fold selectivity for COX-2 inhibition over COX-1. This reduces the generation of prostaglandins (PGs) from arachidonic acid. Among the different functions exerted by PGs, their role in the inflammation cascade should be highlighted.

Selective COX-2 inhibitors show less activity on COX-1 compared to traditional non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID). This reduced activity is the cause of reduced gastrointestinal side effects, as demonstrated in several large clinical trials performed with different coxibs.

Like any other COX-2 selective inhibitor Etoricoxib selectively inhibits isoform 2 of cyclo-oxygenase enzyme (COX-2). This reduces prostaglandins (PGs) generation from arachidonic acid.

Indications of Etoricoxib

Etoricoxib  tablet is used for the treatment, control, prevention, & improvement of the following diseases, conditions, and symptoms:

Contra-Indications of Etoricoxib

Dosage of Etoricoxib

Strengths: 60 mg, 90 mg, 120 mg

Ankylosing spondylitis, Rheumatoid arthritis

  •  90 mg once daily.
  •  <16 yr Contraindicated.

Osteoarthritis

  • 30 mg once daily, increased to 60 mg once daily if needed.
  • <16 yr Contraindicated.

Acute Gout

  • 120 mg once daily. Max duration: 8 days.
  • <16 yr Contraindicated.

Dental Pain

  • 120 mg once daily.

Side Effects of Etoricoxib

The most common

More common

Rare

Drug Interactions of Etoricoxib

Etoricoxib may interact with following drugs, supplyments & may change the efficacy of drugs

Pregnancy & Lactation of Etoricoxib

FDA Pregnancy Category C

Pregnancy 

You should not take etoricoxib  tablets during the last 3 months of pregnancy as it may affect the baby s circulation. If you are in the first 6 months of pregnancy talk to your doctor before taking this medicine etoricoxib tablets should only be taken if the benefit is likely to outweigh the risks.

Lactation

Taking etoricoxib tablets may make it more difficult for you to get pregnant. You should talk to your doctor if you are planning to become pregnant or if you have problems getting pregnant.

Before you take

Note: Etoricoxib has not been approved by the FDA for the U.S. market.

Do not take  etoricoxib if:

  • you have an allergy to etoricoxib or any of the ingredients listed at the end of this leaflet
  • the packaging is torn or shows signs of tampering
  • the expiry date on the pack has passed.
  • If you take this medicine after the expiry date has passed, it may not work.
  • You have had heart failure, a heart attack, bypass surgery, chest pain (angina), narrow or blocked arteries of the extremities (peripheral arterial disease), a stroke or mini stroke (TIA or transient ischaemic attack).
  • You have high blood pressure that is not well controlled on blood pressure medication.
  • You are having major surgery and have conditions which increase your risk of coronary artery disease or atherosclerosis such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol or smoking.


  1. References

    1. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Etoricoxib