COX-2 selective inhibitor is a form of Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that directly targets COX-2, an enzyme responsible for inflammation and pain.

Selectivity for COX-2 reduces the risk of peptic ulceration, and is the main feature of celecoxib, rofecoxib and other members of this drug class.

Cox-2-selectivity does not seem to affect other side-effects of NSAIDs (most notably an increased risk of renal failure), and some results have aroused the suspicion that there might be an increase in the risk for heart attack, thrombosis and stroke by a relative increase in thromboxane.

Rofecoxib was taken off the market in 2004 because of these concerns..

For more information about the topic COX-2 inhibitor, read the full article at Wikipedia.org, or see the following related articles:

Aspirin — Aspirin or acetylsalicylic acid is a drug in the family of salicylates, often used as an analgesic (against minor pains and aches), antipyretic ...  > read more

Analgesic — An analgesic (colloquially known as painkillers) is any member of the diverse group of drugs used to relieve pain and to achieve analgesia. This ...  > read more

Rofecoxib — Rofecoxib is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug that was used in the treatment of osteoarthritis, acute pain conditions, and dysmenorrhoea. ...  > read more

Peptic ulcer — A peptic ulcer is an ulcer of one of those areas of the gastrointestinal tract that are usually acidic. A more general term, peptic ulcer disease ...  > read more

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