Etoricoxib
Molecule Description
Etoricoxib belongs to a group of medicines which are called selective COX-2 Inh
ibitors (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)).
Uses of Etoricoxib
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Gout pain (sudden, painful swelling of the joints. It is caused by deposits of uric acid crystals in the joint)
- Osteoarthritis (disease of the joints where there is gradual breakdown of cartilage that cushions the bone ends)
- Ankylosing spondylitis (swelling and pain in the spine)
- Acute musculoskeletal pain
- Chronic musculoskeletal pain
- Relief of pain and swelling
Contraindications of Etoricoxib
When should one not use Etoricoxib
- If you are allergic to Etoricoxib or NSAIDs including Aspirin and COX-2 Inhibitors
- If you are about to undergo a major surgery like heart surgery or blood vessel surgery
- If you have heart disease like heart attack, peripheral arterial disease or have undergone bypass surgery
- If you have a stomach ulcer
- If you have bleeding in your stomach or intestines
- You have severe liver disease or kidney disease
- If you have uncontrolled blood pressure, history of heart attack, chest pain or stroke
Side effects of Etoricoxib
Common side effects of this drug are:
- If you are allergic to Etoricoxib or NSAIDs including Aspirin and COX-2 Inhibitors
- If you are about to undergo a major surgery, like heart surgery or blood vessel surgery
- If you have heart disease like heart attack, peripheral arterial disease or have undergone bypass surgery
- If you have a stomach ulcer
- If you have bleeding in your stomach or intestines
- You have serious liver disease or kidney disease
- If you have uncontrolled blood pressure, history of heart attack, chest pain or stroke
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding
Precautions and Warnings of Etoricoxib
Pregnancy
Q:
Can I take Etoricoxib during pregnancy?
A:
Etoricoxib must not be taken during pregnancy. If you are pregnant or you think you could be pregnant or if you are planning a pregnancy, do not take the tablets.
Breast Feeding
Q:
Can I take Etoricoxib while breastfeeding?
A:
It is not known whether it can pass into breast milk and harm the child. Hence a doctor’s discretion is necessary before you start Etoricoxib.
Driving
Q:
Can I drive if I have consumed Etoricoxib?
A:
No Information is available on effect on driving.
Alcohol
Q:
Can I consume alcohol with Etoricoxib?
A:
Do not drink alcohol during treatment with Etoricoxib. Etoricoxib and alcohol consumption increase the risk of bleeding from stomach and intestine.
Other General Warnings
Talk to your doctor if
- High blood pressure
- History of liver or kidney problems
- Asthma
- Diarrhea
- History of stomach bleeding or ulcers
- You have high cholesterol or if you are a diabetic person or if you are a smoker. These can increase your risk of heart disease
- You are a woman trying to be pregnant
Mode of Action of Etoricoxib
How Does It Work?
Etoricoxib reduces pain and inflammation by blocking the enzyme responsible for pain and joint inflammation in the body.
Interactions of Etoricoxib
Interactions with other medicines
- Water pills (Diuretics)
- Blood thinners like warfarin
- Antibiotics like Rifampicin
- Oral hormonal birth control pills (the combination may increase your risk of side effects)
- Lithium - a medicine used to treat mania
- Methotrexate, Ciclosporin, Tacrolimus
- The risk of stomach ulcers is higher if you take Etoricoxib with Aspirin
Interactions with food items
No interactions with food have been reported.
Dosage of Etoricoxib
Overdose
Symptoms of overdose may include stomach pain, nausea, breathing difficulty and even coma. Seek emergency medical care immediately if you suspect an overdose.
Missed a Dose
Take the missed dose as early as you remember. If the missed dose falls at the time of your next scheduled dose, then skip it. Do not take an extra dose to compensate for a missed dose.
Content Details
WRITTEN BY
Dr. Mahesh Muthe
MBBS
REVIEWED BY
Dr. Ritu Budania
MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What should I keep in mind while taking Etoricoxib?
A: Inform your doctor if you have any infection because this medicine can mask the symptoms of a severe infection. Weight control and regular exercising can increase muscle strength and reduce the load on joints. During pain, hot and cold fomentation may also be helpful. Use support devices. These little things may reduce your need for painkillers.
Q: When and how to consume this medicine?
- You must take it exactly the way it is prescribed by the physician
- Follow the instructions mentioned on the prescription label
- Do not alter the dose unless recommended by your doctor. Do not take it longer or shorter than advised. Using it longer than advised can increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes
- It can be taken before or after food
- Do not crush, chew or break the tablets. Swallow it entirely with a glass of water
- Keep the tablet in the blister pack until you are ready to use it
References
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Disclaimer
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