Products
Etoricoxib is commercially available in the form of film-coated tablets (Arcoxia). It has been approved in many countries since 2009. Generics were registered in 2020.
Structure and properties
Etoricoxib (C18H15ClN2O2S, Mr = 358.8 g/mol) has a similar V-shaped structure to other COX-2 inhibitors. It is a dipyridinyl derivative with a methylsulfonyl group.
Effects
Etoricoxib (ATC M01AH05) has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. The effects are due to selective inhibition of cyclooxygenase 2, which is responsible for the induced formation of prostaglandins.
Indications
For symptomatic treatment of inflammation and pain in patients with osteoarthritis. Etoricoxib has been approved for other indications in other countries.
Dosage
According to the SmPC. Because of the long half-life of 22 hours, once-daily administration is sufficient, regardless of meals. The duration of treatment should be kept as short as possible due to the potential adverse effects.
Contraindications
Numerous precautions must be observed when using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Full details can be found in the drug label.
Adverse effects
The most common adverse effects include digestive symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, heartburn, diarrhea, dyspepsia, and nausea; fatigue; weakness; flu-like illness; small-area bleeding of the skin or mucous membranes; high blood pressure; palpable heartbeats; dizziness; headache; and edema. Like other COX-2 inhibitors and NSAIDs, etoricoxib can rarely cause serious side effects, such as gastric and intestinal ulcers, heart disease, and kidney disease.