Rofecoxib

Indications

Rofecoxib is used for: Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis, Pain

Adult Dose

Oral Osteoarthritis Adult: Initially, 12.5 mg once daily. Max: 25 mg/day. Pain relief Adult: Initially, 50 mg once daily followed by daily doses of 25-50 mg. Max: 50 mg/day. Treatment duration >5days is not recommended. Rheumatoid arthritis Adult: 25 mg daily. Max: 25 mg/day. Hepatic Impairment Max: 12.5 mg/day.

Child Dose

Renal Dose

Administration

Contra Indications

Hypersensitivity. Severe renal impairment.

Precautions

Hepatic dysfunction, pregnancy and lactation. History of ulcer disease or GI bleeding. Elderly or debilitated patients. Prolonged treatment, smoking and alcoholism may increase risk of GI bleeding. Ischaemic heart disease.

Pregnancy-Lactation

Pregnancy Category C, D (in 3rd trimester or near delivery)

Interactions

Adverse Effects

Side effects of Rofecoxib : Mouth ulcers, chest pain, weight gain, atopic eczema, muscle cramps, diarrhoea, headache, nausea; upper respiratory tract infection, hypertension, ischaemia, dyspepsia, epigastric discomfort, heart burn, nausea, sinusitis, back pain, headache, bronchitis, urinary tract infections. Potentially Fatal: Renal failure; nephrotoxicity; MI.

Mechanism of Action

Rofecoxib is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that exhibits anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic activities in animal models. The mechanism of action of (rofecoxib) is believed to be due to inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis, via inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2).