Pharmacology: Etoricoxib is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that exhibits anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic activities. Etoricoxib is a potent, orally active, highly selective cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitor within and above the clinical dose range. Two isoforms of cyclooxygenase have been identified: cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). COX-1 is responsible for prostaglandin-mediated normal physiologic functions such as gastric cytoprotection and platelet aggregation. Inhibitor of COX-1 by non-selective NSAIDs has been associated with gastric damage and platelet inhibition. COX-2 has been shown to be primarily responsible for the synthesis of prostanoid mediators of pain, inflammation, and fever. Selective inhibition of COX-2 by etoricoxib decreases these clinical signs and symptoms with decreased gastrointestinal toxicity and without effects on platelet function. Etoricoxib produced dose-dependent inhibition of COX-2 without inhibition of COX-1 at doses up to 150 mg daily.
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