COX-2 inhibitors: What's the message for practising physician?

ABSTRACT

The development of Cox-2 inhibitors as potentially gastro-safe NSAIDs is based on the notion that Cox-1 predominates in the stomach, yielding protective prostaglandins, while Cox-2 is induced in inflammation giving rise to pain, swelling and stiffness. The conventional NSAIDs are the most widely prescribed drugs. Despite excellent efficacy in rheumatic disorders their toxicity can lead to significant morbidity and mortality. With the introduction of Cox-2 specific inhibitors, there is a widespread belief that at last safe anti-inflammatory drugs are at hand and are being used extensively.This article reviews the available data regarding their safety on gastrointestinal and cardiorenal systems. It will help the physicians to make a decision while prescribing these drugs to their patients especially who have risk factors