Celebrex: Introduction

Celecoxib  [Oral]

subheading introduction planetrx

Brand Name: Celebrex
Generic Name: Celecoxib [Oral]

Pronunciation: sel-e-COX-ib
Drug class: Analgesic [Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID)]; COX-2 Inhibitor
Generic available? No
Controlled substance? No

Celecoxib belongs to a class of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) called cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors. It is used to relieve the pain and inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Celecoxib differs from the other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory inhibitors in that it selectively inhibits the COX-2.

In contrast, other NSAIDs inhibit both COX-1 and COX-2. COX-2 is thought to be responsible for making inflammatory prostaglandins while COX-1 makes prostaglandins that are beneficial to kidney and stomach function. The advantage of this specificity is that celecoxib does not interfere with the cyclooxygenase that produces beneficial prostaglandins, making it less likely to cause gastrointestinal side effects.

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Last Updated: 06/13/2005
Continue Reading: Celebrex: Usage
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