Pharma-clinics. Le medicament du mois. Le celecoxib (Celebrex).

Celecoxib (Celebrex, Pharmacia) is a potent and selective inhibitor of the COX-2 isoform of cyclooxygenase which is used as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Its current indications are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. The usual recommended daily dosage of celecoxib is 200 mg (in one or two intakes per day), to be increased up to 400 mg (two intakes per day) if necessary. Its clinical efficacy seems to be similar to that of other NSAIDs. However, its safety profile, especially gastro-intestinal tolerance and perhaps renal safety, is much better because of the COX-2 selectivity.