The Sound of Evolution
Celecoxib
Mechanism of action:
Celecoxib is a selective COX-2 inhibitor. Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is an enzyme induced during inflammation and is responsible for converting arachidonic acid into prostaglandins. Prostaglandins promote vasodilation and vascular leakage, pain signaling, and fever responses. Celecoxib selectively inhibits the enzymatic activity of COX-2, thereby reducing the production of these prostaglandins and producing anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic effects related to inflammation.
Reference(s):
1. Malhotra S et al. (2004). COX-2 inhibitors: a CLASS act or just VIGORously promoted. MedGenMed.
2. Silverstein FE et al. (2000). Gastrointestinal toxicity with celecoxib vs nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis: the CLASS study. JAMA.