🔅 Etoricoxib is a type of medicine known as a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).
– It belongs to a specific group of NSAIDs called COX-2 inhibitors, which block an enzyme involved in inflammation and pain.
– Etoricoxib is used to treat various conditions that cause pain and swelling, such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, gout, and dental surgery. It is also used for: chronic musculoskeletal pain and dysmenorrhoea.
– Etoricoxib is marketed under different brand names in different countries, such as Arcoxia, Algix, Tauxib, Etozox, Nucoxia, and Etorix.
– Etoricoxib is produced by chemical synthesis from 5-chloro-6'-methyl-3-(4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl)-2,3'-bipyridin-6-ol, which is a key intermediate in the process. The synthesis involves several steps, such as sulfonation, chlorination, cyclization, oxidation, and coupling. The final product is a white to off-white crystalline powder with the molecular formula C18H15ClN2O2S and a molecular weight of 358.84 g/mol.
– Etoricoxib should be taken with caution by people who have or are at risk of heart problems, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or smoking. It should also be used with caution by people who have liver or kidney problems, stomach ulcers, bleeding disorders, asthma, or allergies to other NSAIDs.
Etoricoxib should not be taken by pregnant or breastfeeding women, children under 16 years of age, or people who have had a heart attack or stroke.
– Etoricoxib may interact with other medicines, such as warfarin, lithium, methotrexate, oral contraceptives, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, diuretics, and some antidepressants. Therefore, it is important to inform your doctor about all the medicines you are taking before starting etoricoxib.
– Etoricoxib may cause some side effects, such as indigestion, stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea, headache, dizziness, fatigue, flu-like symptoms, swelling of the ankles or feet, increased blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, chest pain, shortness of breath, skin rash, itching, or allergic reactions. Some of these side effects may be serious and require medical attention. If you experience any of these side effects while taking etoricoxib, you should stop taking it and contact your doctor immediately.
– The dosage of etoricoxib depends on the condition being treated and the response of the patient. The usual recommended doses are:
• For osteoarthritis: 30 mg once daily, increased if necessary to 60 mg once daily.
• For rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis: 60 mg once daily, increased if necessary to 90 mg once daily.
• For acute gout: 120 mg once daily for up to 8 days.
• For chronic musculoskeletal pain: 60 mg once daily.
• For acute pain after dental surgery: 90 mg once daily for up to 3 days.
– Etoricoxib should be taken as a single dose at the same time each day. It can be taken with or without food. However, taking it without food may make it work faster. Etoricoxib should be taken for the shortest possible time and at the lowest effective dose to reduce the risk of side effects. Do not take more than the prescribed dose or for longer than recommended by your doctor.
