ABSTRACT
Celecoxib (Celebrex) is the first of a new family of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that selectively inhibit cydooxygenase 2 (COX 2) while sparing COX 1. Clinical trials indicate that it is approximately as effective in relieving the pain of osteoarthritis and the pain and inflammation of rheumatoid arthritis as nonselective NSAIDs, but causes less gastrointestinal ulceration and bleeding. This paper reviews the pharmacology and possible clinical role of celecoxib and other COX 2-selective NSAIDs.
Footnotes
↵* Disclosure: Dr. Mandell has received personal honoraria, support for educational programs, or research support from Amgen, Ciba-Geigy (Novartis), Merck, Searle, Smith Kline Beecham, and Wyeth Pharmaceuticals.
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