What is Etoricoxib?
Etoricoxib is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAIDs) that is used as anti-inflammatory painkillers. It relieves pain and inflammation (inflammation) in conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis, and it can also be used to treat gout for a limited time.
The drug acts by inhibiting the cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzyme, which is a natural chemical. This enzyme assists in the development of other chemicals in the body known as prostaglandins. Pain and inflammation are caused by prostaglandins, which are released at sites of injury or damage. Since COX-2 enzymes are inhibited, fewer prostaglandins are released, reducing pain and inflammation.
Etoricoxib Uses
Etoricoxib is used to minimise inflammation (swelling) and alleviate pain in arthritic disorders including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. It's also used for short-term pain relief during gout attacks and after dental surgery. The drug is used to relieve people who are affected with acute pain, chronic musculoskeletal pain and prevents acute gouty arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. It belongs to the class of drugs called cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) specific inhibitors that reduce pain and inflammation in the body by blocking pain-causing enzymes (COX-2).
Side Effects
Some of the common and major side effects of Etoricoxib are:
- Flu
- Indigestion
- Stomach pain
- Diarrhea
- Peripheral edema
- Flatulence
- Weakness
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- High blood pressure
- Irregular heartbeat
- Difficult while breathing
- Heart rhythm disorders
Etoricoxib can cause some serious side effects and can lead to some serious health problems. If you are facing any of the above serious side effects. Talk with your doctor if you are having any serious problems.
Precautions
Before taking etoricoxib talk with your doctor if you are allergic to it or any other medications. The product will contain some inactive ingredients which can cause some serious allergic reactions or some other serious problems. Before using the medication talk to your doctor if you have any medical history such as asthma, allergic disorder, stomach pain, inflammatory bowel disorder or any other heart condition.
How to use etoricoxib?
- Etoricoxib tablets should be taken only once a day. You may take your tablet with or without food, but taking it without food can cause it to function more quickly. If you have arthritis, you'll most likely need to take a pill every day for reducing inflammation and pain. Take one tablet a day for up to eight days if you have acute gout.
- Tablets are available in four strengths: 30 mg, 60 mg, 90 mg, and 120 mg. The intensity of the medication you're given is determined by the reason you're taking it.
- The normal dosage for osteoarthritis is 30 mg once a day, which can be raised to 60 mg if necessary.
- The normal dosage for rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis is 60 mg once a day, which can be raised to 90 mg if required.
- The normal dosage for acute gout is 120 mg once a day for up to eight days.
- The normal dosage for pain after dental surgery is 90 mg once a day, for a period of three days.
Missed Dose
If you forget to take your tablet, take it as soon as you remember. If you forget to take the dosage until the next day, just skip the missed dose and carry on with your daily schedule. To make up for a missed dose, avoid taking double doses.
Overdose
If you suspect an overdose, call your doctor right away. Skin rashes, confusion, chest pain and blurred vision are some symptoms of overdose.
Warnings for serious Health Conditions
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding:Pregnant women do not take this drug unless it is absolutely appropriate. Before taking this drug, talk to your doctor about all of the complications and benefits. Depending on your health condition, your doctor can recommend a safer alternative.
The medication can pass into your breastmilk and can cause some serious side effects to the infants. Talk to your doctor if you are breastfeeding.
Storage
Direct contact with heat, air and light may damage your medicines. Exposure to medicine may cause some harmful effects. The medicine must be kept in a safe place and out of children’s reach.
Mainly the drug should be kept at room temperature between 68ºF and 77ºF (20ºC and 25ºC).
Etoricoxib vs Naproxen
| Etoricoxib is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAIDs) which is used as anti-inflammatory painkillers. | Naproxen is a pain reliever that relieves inflammation and stiffness in the joints. The medication works by blocking the enzyme that makes prostaglandins. |
| Etoricoxib is used to minimise inflammation (swelling) and alleviate pain in arthritic disorders including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. | Naproxen tablets are used for treating pain and inflammation of various severe conditions. It includes:
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Some of the common and major side effects of Etoricoxib are:
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The most common side effects of Naproxen are:
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