Generic
Valdecoxib
9 brands available in the market
At a glance
Valdecoxib is a pain relieving medicine. It alleviates pain, redness, and swelling in various conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis.
Description
Valdecoxib acts by selectively inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis primarily by blocking cyclooxygenase (COX-2) enzyme. It was withdrawn worldwide, following risk of serious skin reactions and cardiovascular side effects.
Indications
- Pain relief
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Osteoarthritis
- Ankylosing spondylitis
- Dysmenorrhoea
Therapeutic class
NSAID (COX-2 Inhibitor)
Pharmacological class
COX-2 Inhibitor
Pharmacology
Valdecoxib acts by selectively inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis primarily by blocking cyclooxygenase (COX-2) enzyme.
Mechanism of action
Blocks COX-2 enzyme, inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis and reducing pain and inflammation.
Dosage
Adult Dose (Oral):
- Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis: 10 mg once daily
- Dysmenorrhoea: 20 mg twice daily
- Hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh 7-9): Initiate with caution; Child-Pugh >10: Avoid
- Renal impairment (CrCl <30): Initiate with caution
Administration
- May be taken with or without food
- Swallow whole; do not chew, crush or break
- Take at the same time each day
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember; if almost time for next dose, skip it; do not double the dose.
Side effects
Common Side Effects:
- Diarrhea
- Flatulence
- Flu-like symptoms
- Peripheral edema
- Stomach pain
- Nausea
- Change in blood pressure
- Backache
Precautions & warnings
- May affect ability to drive
- May cause dizziness and fatigue; do not drive
- Avoid alcohol; may cause excessive drowsiness
- Monitor blood pressure regularly, particularly in the first two weeks
- Inform doctor if history of stomach ulcers, heart diseases, high blood pressure, liver or kidney disease
- Regular blood tests may be needed during long-term treatment
- Do not use if pregnant, planning to conceive, or breastfeeding
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to sulfonamides, NSAIDs and other COX-2 inhibitors
- Asthma, urticaria
- Severe hepatic impairment
- Pregnancy (third trimester)
- Lactation
- Active GI bleed or ulceration
- Severe CHF
- Inflammatory bowel disease
Drug interactions
- Aspirin: increased risk of GI ulceration and complications
- Antihypertensives (ACE inhibitors): decreased antihypertensive effect
- Dextromethorphan: increased plasma concentration
- Lithium: significantly decreases serum and renal clearance
Food interactions
It is unsafe to consume alcohol with Valdecoxib.
Use in pregnancy
Use in Pregnancy: May be unsafe; animal studies show harmful effects; consult your doctor.
Pregnancy Category: C — always consult a doctor before taking during pregnancy.
Use in lactation
Use in Lactation: Information not available; consult your doctor.
Pediatric use
Safety and efficacy not established in children
Geriatric use
Caution required in elderly patients
Renal / hepatic impairment
Renal Impairment: Probably safe; dose adjustment may not be needed; CrCl <30: initiate with caution
Hepatic Impairment: Caution needed; Child-Pugh 7-9: initiate with caution; Child-Pugh >10: avoid
Overdose effects
Symptoms: Dizziness, fatigue, stomach pain.
Treatment: Supportive care.
Storage conditions
Store in a cool and dry place; keep out of reach of children.