[Cyclooxygenase 2 Selective Antirheumatic Analgesics]

Because of Cyclooxygenase-2 selective non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), the therapy of articular pain has become safer and more convenient. Currently, two highly Cyclooxygenase-2 selective drugs, celecoxib and rofecoxib, are available. Both are effective for patients with osteoarthritis (at daily dosages of 200 mg and 12.5 mg, respectively) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) (at twice the above dosages). At higher daily dosages of 800 mg and 50 mg these substances still appear safe with regard to life-threatening gastrointestinal complications (perforation, obstruction, bleeding), if not given with concomitant aspirin. However, Cyclooxygenase-2 selective non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs do not confer protection against platelet aggregation and aspirin must be given where required for cardiovascular prophylaxis. Most patients will then routinely need gastroprotective agents such as proton pump inhibitors or misoprostol; it is unclear whether coxibs confer any benefit under such circumstances. Although not a coxib, Meloxicam does not appear to cause serious gastrointestinal complications if the low daily dosage of 7.5 mg is sufficient for the control of less pronounced pain and thus not exceeded. The gastrointestinal safety of nimesulide can not be sufficiently evaluated based on the available clinical data.