1. Generic Name & Brand Names
Generic Name: Etoricoxib
Brand Names:
Arcoxia® (Global: EU, Asia, LATAM)
Tauxib® (India)
Etosa® (Middle East)
Not FDA-approved in USA/Canada
2. Dosage Forms
Oral Tablets: 60 mg, 90 mg, 120 mg
No IV/topical forms
3. Drug Class
COX-2 Selective NSAID
Analgesic, Anti-inflammatory
*Minimal effect on COX-1 → lower GI risk vs. traditional NSAIDs*
4. Uses
Chronic Inflammatory Conditions:
Osteoarthritis (OA), Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), Ankylosing Spondylitis
Acute Pain:
Gout flares, Dental surgery pain
Not for fever or non-inflammatory pain
5. Side Effects
| Common (≥1%) | Serious (Stop Immediately) |
|---|---|
| Headache, dizziness | Heart Attack/Stroke |
| Indigestion, nausea | GI Bleeding (rare but possible) |
| Edema (swollen limbs) | Severe Hypertension |
| Fatigue | Hepatotoxicity (jaundice) |
| Kidney Failure | |
| Allergy/SJS/TEN (skin blistering) |
6. Warnings Before Taking
Absolute Contraindications:
Ischemic heart disease, stroke, PAD
Active GI bleeding
Severe heart/kidney/liver failure
3rd trimester pregnancy
Allergy to sulfonamides/NSAIDs
High-Risk Groups:
Hypertension (↑ BP risk), smokers, >65 years
Avoid in CABG surgery patients
Drug Interactions:
⚠️ Warfarin (↑ bleeding)
⚠️ Lithium, SSRIs, Diuretics (↑ toxicity)
7. How to Take It
| Condition | Dose | Max Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Osteoarthritis | 30–60 mg daily | Long-term* |
| Rheumatoid Arthritis | 90 mg daily | Long-term* |
| Ankylosing Spondylitis | 90 mg daily | Long-term* |
| Acute Gout | 120 mg daily | ≤8 days |
Key Instructions:
Take once daily with/without food
Avoid alcohol (↑ hypertension/GI risk)
Long-term use requires BP/kidney monitoring
8. Uses in Adults
Chronic arthritis: Lowest effective dose (e.g., 30 mg for OA)
Short-term: Acute gout (max 120 mg × 8 days)
Not for children/adolescents
9. Missed Dose
Take ASAP if <12 hours late
Skip if >12 hours; resume next day
Never double dose
10. Overdose
Symptoms: Nausea, lethargy, GI bleeding, kidney failure
Action:
Call emergency services
Supportive care (no antidote)
11. Avoid While Taking
Other NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen)
ACE Inhibitors (lisinopril) – ↓ effectiveness
Corticosteroids (prednisone) – ↑ GI bleeding
Alcohol – ↑ hypertension/GI risk
12. Storage
Temperature: Below 30°C (86°F)
Humidity: Keep in original blister pack
Safety: Child-resistant container
Critical Safety Notes:
⚠️ Cardiovascular Risk:
Black Box Warning (EU): ↑ Risk of thrombotic events (MI/stroke) – avoid in CVD patients.
Monitor BP weekly initially.
⚠️ Kidney/Hepatic Monitoring:
Check serum creatinine/LFTs at baseline and annually.
⚠️ Shortest Duration Principle:
Use lowest dose for shortest time (e.g., 120 mg only for acute gout ≤8 days).
⚠️ Pregnancy:
Contraindicated in 3rd trimester (premature ductus arteriosus closure).
Prescription Required: Not available OTC. Regular medical review mandatory for chronic use
Comments
Post a Comment