Etoricoxib: Uses, Side Effects, Dosage, Precautions & More
Etoricoxib, commonly known by its brand name Arcoxia, is a medication belonging to the class of drugs known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It is specifically a selective COX-2 inhibitor, which helps in reducing pain and inflammation by blocking the COX-2 enzyme responsible for the production of prostaglandins. Here’s a comprehensive look at its uses, side effects, dosage, precautions, and more.
Uses
Etoricoxib is primarily used to manage pain and inflammation associated with several conditions:
- Osteoarthritis: It alleviates the pain and swelling in the joints.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis: It reduces joint pain, swelling, and stiffness.
- Ankylosing Spondylitis: Used to treat the pain and stiffness in the spine.
- Gout: For short-term treatment of pain associated with gout attacks.
- Postoperative Pain: Sometimes prescribed for pain relief following dental surgery.
Dosage
The dosage of etoricoxib varies depending on the condition being treated:
- Osteoarthritis: Typically, 30 mg once daily, which can be increased to 60 mg if necessary.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis and Ankylosing Spondylitis: 60 mg once daily, with a possible increase to 90 mg.
- Acute Gout: 120 mg once daily for up to 8 days.
- Postoperative Dental Pain: 90 mg once daily for up to 3 days.
Patients with liver issues may require adjusted doses, with a maximum of 60 mg daily for mild liver disease and 30 mg daily for moderate liver disease. Etoricoxib is not recommended for children and adolescents under 16 years of age​ (PatientInfo)​​ (Drugs.com)​​ (patient-info.co.uk)​.
Side Effects
Common side effects of etoricoxib include:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Indigestion
- Stomach pain
- Diarrhea
- Swelling of legs or feet (peripheral edema)
Less common but serious side effects may include:
- High blood pressure
- Heart issues such as angina, heart attack, or stroke
- Liver problems
- Kidney problems
- Severe allergic reactions, including hives and asthma attacks
Patients should seek immediate medical attention if they experience any severe side effects​ (PatientInfo)​​ (Drugs.com)​​ (Yashoda Hospitals)​.
Precautions
Before starting etoricoxib, inform your doctor if you have:
- A history of stomach ulcers or gastrointestinal bleeding
- Severe kidney or liver disease
- Heart conditions such as heart failure, angina, or high blood pressure
- Allergies to NSAIDs
- Any condition that increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases, such as diabetes or high cholesterol
Etoricoxib should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to potential risks to the fetus or infant. It is crucial to discuss with a healthcare provider if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding​ (Medicover Hospitals)​​ (Drugs.com)​​ (patient-info.co.uk)​.
Drug Interactions
Etoricoxib can interact with several other medications, which might affect its efficacy or increase the risk of side effects. Notable interactions include:
- Anticoagulants like warfarin
- Diuretics and blood pressure medications (ACE inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers)
- Lithium
- Methotrexate
- Rifampicin
- Oral contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy
Patients should inform their healthcare provider about all the medications they are taking to avoid potential interactions​ (Medicover Hospitals)​​ (Drugs.com)​.
Storage
Store etoricoxib at room temperature, away from direct heat, light, and moisture. Keep the medication out of reach of children​ (Medicover Hospitals)​.
Conclusion
Etoricoxib is a potent NSAID effective in managing pain and inflammation in various conditions. However, it requires careful usage due to potential side effects and interactions. Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions regarding dosage and usage, and discuss any concerns or symptoms with them promptly.
For further details and personalized advice, consult with a healthcare professional.
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