Etoricoxib

Etoricoxib is a pain relieving medicine. It is used for relieving moderate pain and swelling of joints associated with different forms of gout and arthritis. It is also used for short-term treatment of moderate pain after dental surgery in people 16 years of age and older.

Etoricoxib is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) called COX-2 inhibitors. It works by blocking the release of certain chemical messengers that are responsible for pain and inflammation (redness and swelling).

• Osteoarthritis: Used for symptomatic relief.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis: Used for symptomatic relief.
• Ankylosing Spondylitis: Used for symptomatic relief.
• Acute Gouty Arthritis: Used for pain and inflammation.
• Post-Dental Surgery Pain: Used for short-term treatment.

Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

COX-2 Selective Inhibitor

Etoricoxib is a potent, orally active cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) specific inhibitor. 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. Etoricoxib produced dose-dependent inhibition of COX-2 without inhibition of COX-1 at doses up to 150 mg daily.

Etoricoxib is a selective cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitor that reduces pain and inflammation by inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis.

Adult Dose (Oral):

• Osteoarthritis: 30 mg once daily; may increase to 60 mg if needed.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis, Ankylosing Spondylitis: 90 mg once daily.
• Acute Gout: 120 mg once daily; max 8 days.
• Post-Dental Surgery Pain: 90 mg once daily; max 3 days.
• Mild Hepatic Impairment (Child-Pugh 5-6): 60 mg once daily.
• Moderate Hepatic Impairment (Child-Pugh 7-9): Max 60 mg every other day or 30 mg once daily.

Child Dose (<16 years): Contraindicated.

Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Etoricoxib may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.

If you miss a dose of Etoricoxib, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose.

Common Side Effects:

• Stomach pain
• Diarrhea
• Edema
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Irregular heartbeat
• Increased blood pressure
• Fatigue
• Influenza-like symptoms

Less Common: Dry mouth, taste disturbance, mouth ulcer, atrial fibrillation, transient ischaemic attack, chest pain, flushing, cough, dyspnoea, epistaxis, anxiety, paraesthesia, electrolyte disturbance.

Precautions:

• Etoricoxib may decrease alertness, affect vision or make you feel sleepy and dizzy; do not drive if these symptoms occur.
• Helps relieve pain and inflammation; may cause fewer stomach problems compared to other NSAIDs.
• May cause dizziness and fatigue; do not drive or do anything requiring concentration until you know how it affects you.
• Avoid alcohol (may cause excessive drowsiness).
• Regularly monitor blood pressure, particularly in the first two weeks.
• Inform doctor if you have history of stomach ulcers, heart diseases, high blood pressure, liver or kidney disease.
• During long-term treatment, doctor may monitor liver function.

Contraindications:

• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Severe congestive heart failure
• Active peptic ulceration
• Cerebrovascular disease
• CrCl <30 mL/min
• Lactation
• Children under 16 years
• Hypersensitivity

Drug Interactions:

• Oral anticoagulants: May increase INR.
• ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II antagonists, diuretics: May decrease effects.
• Lithium: May increase plasma concentrations.
• Rifampicin: May reduce plasma levels.
• Ethinylestradiol: May increase serum concentrations.

Food Interactions: It is unsafe to consume alcohol with Etoricoxib.

Use in Pregnancy: Etoricoxib may be unsafe; animal studies have shown harmful effects on the developing baby.

Use in Lactation: Information regarding use during breastfeeding is not available; consult your doctor.

Pediatric Use: Contraindicated in children under 16 years.

Geriatric Use: Use with caution in elderly patients.

Renal Impairment: Use with caution; dose adjustment may be needed; severe kidney disease: not recommended.

Hepatic Impairment: Use with caution; dose adjustment may be needed; severe liver disease: not recommended.

Overdose: Single doses up to 500 mg and multiple doses up to 150 mg/day for 21 days did not result in significant toxicity. In case of overdose, employ usual supportive measures.

Storage: Store below 30 degree C, protect from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.

Etoricoxib