COX-2 Selective Inhibitors
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Overview
A subclass of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) designed to selectively inhibit cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) while sparing COX-1. This selectivity was developed to reduce gastrointestinal side effects associated with traditional NSAIDs. Celecoxib is the only COX-2 inhibitor remaining on the U.S. market.
How do cox-2 selective inhibitors work?
COX-2 inhibitors selectively block the cyclooxygenase-2 isoenzyme, which is primarily induced at sites of inflammation. By inhibiting COX-2, they reduce the synthesis of prostaglandins involved in pain, inflammation, and fever while theoretically preserving COX-1-mediated production of protective gastric mucosal prostaglandins and thromboxane A2 in platelets.
Drugs in this class
- Celecoxib (Celebrex, Elyxyb)