Etoricoxib: Uses, Side Effects, and Dosage
Etoricoxib is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAIDs), that acts by reducing the cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzyme, which is a natural chemical. This enzyme helps the body to produce prostaglandins.
It is available in tablet form and injection.
Uses of Etoricoxib
Used for the treatment of conditions such as:
- Gout
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Osteoarthritis
- Ankylosing spondylitis
- Chronic low back pain
- Acute and chronic musculoskeletal pain
Side Effects of Etoricoxib
Some of the common and major side effects of Etoricoxib are:
- Flu
- Indigestion
- Stomach pain
- Diarrhea
- Peripheral edema
- Flatulence
- Weakness
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- High blood pressure
- Irregular heartbeat
- Difficult while breathing
- Heart rhythm disorders
Precautions to Follow
- Inform your doctor about any allergies to etoricoxib or other medications.
- Discuss any medical history, including asthma, stomach pain, or heart conditions, with your doctor before use.
- If you have untreated or unmanaged high blood pressure, please inform your doctor, as Etoricoxib can potentially raise blood pressure in some individuals.
- If you are undergoing treatment for an illness, it’s best to avoid using Etoricoxib as it might worsen the fever.
- If you smoke, have diabetes, or suffer from high cholesterol, you should not use Etoricoxib, as it may increase your risk of heart attack or stroke.
- After taking Etoricoxib, make sure not to lie down for at least 30 minutes.
- Etoricoxib should not be taken by anyone who has had a heart attack or a stroke.
- This medication is never given to pregnant women unless necessary. Before using it, talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits. Based on your current health, your doctor may suggest a safer alternative.
How to Use Etoricoxib?
- Take etoricoxib tablets once daily, with or without food.
- Dosage may change based on the condition being treated:
- Osteoarthritis: 30 mg daily, may increase to 60 mg if needed.
- Rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis: 60 mg daily, may increase to 90 mg if necessary.
- Acute gout: 120 mg daily for up to eight days.
- Pain after dental surgery: 90 mg daily for three days.
How Etoricoxib works?
Etoricoxib works by blocking the enzyme COX-2, which produces prostaglandins that cause pain and inflammation. By inhibiting COX-2, it helps reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation, particularly in conditions like arthritis and gout, without affecting COX-1, which protects the stomach.
Dosage of Etoricoxib
Missed Dose
Take missed doses as soon as remembered, but do not double up on doses.
Overdose
Take a quick call to a doctor if you suspect an overdose.
Interactions
Etoricoxib may interact with:
- Anticoagulants: Warfarin, aspirin
- Antibiotics: Rifampicin
- Immunosuppressants: Methotrexate
- Antihypertensives: Enalapril, ramipril, losartan, valsartan, minoxidil
- Diuretics
- Antiarrhythmics: Digoxin
- Antiasthmatics: Salbutamol
- Oral contraceptives
No interactions with food have been found.
Warnings for Serious Health Conditions
- Pregnant women should use etoricoxib only if necessary after consulting a doctor.
- Breastfeeding women must inform the doctor before using etoricoxib due to potential risks to the infant.
Who should not take Etoricoxib?
Etoricoxib should not be taken by individuals with:
- Stomach ulcers or bleeding
- Severe kidney or liver disease
- Colitis
- Uncontrolled blood pressure
- Heart failure
- Stroke
- Other heart problems
Storage Instructions for Etoricoxib
- Store at temperature between 68ºF and 77ºF (20ºC and 25ºC)
- Keep away from heat, light, and moisture.
- Keep out of reach of children.
How quickly does Etoricoxib show results?
Etoricoxib typically starts showing results within a few hours, with pain and inflammation relief often felt within 1 to 2 hours. However, full effects may take a few days for chronic conditions like arthritis. The response time can vary based on the individual and the condition being treated. If you don’t notice improvement or experience side effects, consult your doctor.
Etoricoxib vs Naproxen
| Etoricoxib | Naproxen |
| Etoricoxib is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAIDs) which is used as anti-inflammatory painkillers. | Naproxen is a pain reliever that relieves inflammation and stiffness in the joints. The medication works by blocking the enzyme that makes prostaglandins. |
| Etoricoxib is used to minimise inflammation (swelling) and alleviate pain in arthritic disorders including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. | Naproxen tablets are used for treating pain and inflammation of various severe conditions. It includes:
|
Some of the common and major side effects of Etoricoxib are:
|
The most common side effects of Naproxen are:
|
