COX-2 selective NSAID: Class Overview and Comparison
Quick answer: COX-2 selective NSAID are a class of medicines used for specific therapeutic indications. iMedic covers 7 cox-2 selective nsaid substances. Below is a comparison table linking to detailed pages for each.
COX-2 selective NSAID on iMedic (7 substances)
| Substance | Primary indications | Mechanism | Common dose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arcoxia | Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis | Selective inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2 reducing prostaglandin-mediated inflamm | 30-120 mg once daily depending on indication |
| Celebra | Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis | Selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor reducing prostaglandin synthesis | 100-200 mg once or twice daily |
| Celecoxib | Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis | Selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor reducing prostaglandin synthesis | 100-200 mg once or twice daily |
| Dynastat | Postoperative pain | Parecoxib is a prodrug of valdecoxib, a selective COX-2 inhibitor reducing prost | 40 mg IV/IM, then 20-40 mg every 6-12 hours (max 80 mg/day) |
| Etoricoxib | Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis | Selectively inhibits COX-2 to reduce prostaglandin-mediated inflammation and pai | 30-120 mg once daily |
| Etoricoxib Brown | Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis | Selectively inhibits COX-2 to reduce prostaglandin-mediated inflammation and pai | 30-120 mg once daily |
| Parecoxib | Postoperative pain | Prodrug of valdecoxib that selectively inhibits COX-2 to reduce prostaglandin-me | 40 mg IV/IM, then 20-40 mg every 6-12 hours (max 80 mg/day) |
About COX-2 selective NSAID
COX-2 selective NSAID share a common mechanism of action and clinical use. Specific dosing, side effects, contraindications, and drug interactions vary between individual substances within the class. Click any substance above for full prescribing information and patient guidance.
Common considerations across the class
- Indication-specific selection: Different members may be preferred for different conditions or patient populations
- Dose equivalence: Members of the same class are not always interchangeable on a 1:1 dose basis
- Drug interactions: Class members often share interaction profiles (e.g., CYP enzyme effects) but individual variation matters
- Side effects: Some side effects are class-wide; others are substance-specific
- Contraindications: Individual contraindications may not generalize across the class
Always consult the prescribing information for the specific medicine prescribed and discuss with your clinician.
Frequently asked questions
What are COX-2 selective NSAID?
COX-2 selective NSAID are medicines that share a common mechanism of action used for specific therapeutic indications. iMedic currently covers 7 substances in this class with detailed pages for each.
Are all COX-2 selective NSAID interchangeable?
No. While medicines in the same class share a mechanism, they differ in potency, dosing, drug interactions, and tolerability. Switching between them is a clinical decision based on individual response, side effects, and treatment goals.
How do I choose between different COX-2 selective NSAID?
Selection depends on the specific clinical indication, patient factors (age, comorbidities, kidney/liver function, other medications), tolerability of side effects, cost, and clinician preference. This is a prescribing decision.
Are COX-2 selective NSAID available as generics?
Most well-established class members are available as generic alternatives, often substantially less expensive than brand-name versions while clinically equivalent. Newer members may still be brand-only.
Last reviewed: by iMedic Medical Editorial Team. Our editorial process.