Bextra®

Bextra® – like Celebrex® – belongs to the group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). In addition to good pain-relieving properties, it also has anti-inflammatory potency. Bextra® belongs to the group of new COX-2 inhibitors, i.e. also belongs to the group of Vioxx®, a drug that was withdrawn from the market on 30 September 2004 due to side effects in the cardiovascular system.

Trade name/Manufacturer

Bextra® 10 mg film-coated tabletsBextra® 20 mg film-coated tabletsBextra® 40 mg film-coated tablets Manufacturer: Pfizer ®4-(5-methyl-3-phenyl-4-isoxazolyl) benzenesulfonamideC16H14N2O3S Active ingredient: valdecoxib

Fields of application

Typical areas of application for Bextra® are

  • Arthrosis
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Menstrual problems (dysmenorrhea)

Effect

All NSAIDs ́s inhibit an endogenous enzyme, the so-called cyclooxygenase. This enzyme is crucial in the formation of prostaglandins. One differentiates between two classes of this cycolooxygenase (COX-1 and COX-2).

Prostaglandins are so-called pain mediators that regulate functions such as pain, inflammation and fever. Prostaglandins also influence blood clotting. Bextra is a member of a new class of anti-inflammatory drugs; it is a selective cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) inhibitor. This means that it mainly inhibits COX-2, which is responsible for pain and swelling, while it only slightly inhibits COX-1, which regulates stomach protection, among other things. In summary, the COX-2 inhibitors are a good approach to treat selectively, it remains to be seen whether this selective therapy does not increase the risk of side effects (heart attack and stroke in particular).

Dosage

Bextra ® is available in the dosages 10 mg, 20 mg and 40 mg. The maximum daily dose of 40 mg is indicated as a single dose.

Side effects

In the listing we limit ourselves to the most common side effects. Since every person reacts individually to in medicine, of course unmentioned side effects can occur. Allergic reactions: Gastrointestinal complaints Dizziness, tiredness, possibly no longer able to actively participate in traffic. Water retention in the tissue (edema) Laboratory changes

  • Skin rash (redness, itching)
  • Blood pressure drop
  • Shock
  • Increase of liver enzymes in the blood
  • Erythropoiesis

Interactions

Anticoagulants: The effect of antihypertensive drugs (ACE inhibitors, beta blockers, diuretics) can be weakened. – Bextra ® should not be given at the same time as anticoagulants or preparations of the same class of active ingredients (Diclofenac /Indometacin /Piroxicam /Ibuprofen). Especially when Marcumar ® is administered at the same time, the blood-thinning effect of Marcumar ® should be taken into account.

Contraindications

You must not take Bextra® if you:

  • Are pregnant or wish to become pregnant
  • Breastfeed
  • Have already had an allergic reaction to one of the ingredients of Bextra® capsules
  • Have already once had an allergic reaction to a drug from the drug group “sulfonamides” (used as antibiotics for cystitis, among other things). – allergic reactions such as skin rashes, swelling, itching or shortness of breath have occurred after taking Aspirin® or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen
  • Suffer from inflammatory bowel disease
  • Have a stomach and/or duodenal ulcer (ulcer)
  • Have severe liver and kidney dysfunction
  • Have a very severe heart failure (decompensated heart failure)