DRUG REVIEW
Drug Name Mode of Action
Etoricoxib  Selectively inhibits cyclo-
(Arcoxia) oxygenase- 2 (COX-2)
COX-2 which is an
120mg/tab isoform of the enzyme
every 4 hours that has been postulated
as needed for
to be primarily
pain responsible for the
synthesis of mediators of
pain, inflammation, and
fever.
 Affects central nervous
system functions towards
fever induction, pain
perception and cognitive
function.
 Does not inhibit COX-1
at thereby has no effect
on gastric prostaglandin
synthesis and on platelet
function
Indication
Short-term treatment of
moderate pain
For the symptomatic relief of 
osteoarthritis (OA),
rheumatoid arthritis (RA),
ankylosing spondylitis, and the
pain and signs of inflammation angioneurotic oedema,
associated with acute gouty
arthritis.
Contraindication
 Active peptic ulceration or
active gastro-intestinal (GI)
bleeding.
 Patients who have
experienced
bronchospasm, acute
rhinitis, nasal polyps,
urticaria, or allergic-type
reactions after taking
acetylsalicylic acid or
NSAIDs including COX-2
inhibitors.
  Confusion,
 Severe hepatic dysfunction
(serum albumin <25 g/l or
Child-Pugh score ≥10).
  Decreased Platelets
 Estimated renal creatinine
clearance <30 ml/min.
 Inflammatory bowel
disease.
 immediately if
 Patients with hypertension
whose blood pressure is
persistently elevated above
140/90mmHg and has not
been adequately controlled.

 Established ischaemic
heart disease, peripheral
arterial disease, and/or
cerebrovascular disease.
Adverse Drug Reaction Nursing
Responsibilities
 Hypersensitivity Assess client for history
Reactions: Swelling of of allergic reaction to
the face, lips, tongue or Arcoxia or for previous
throat which may cause heart failure, heart attack,
difficulty in swallowing bypass surgery, angina,
peripheral arterial disease,
or breathing
or transient ischaemic
 Insomnia or increased attack.
anxiety
Monitor blood pressure
 Severe increase in regularly while taking this
blood pressure medication.
Take medication with a
glass of water to avoid
Hallucinations
dehydration.
Arcoxia may be taken
 Atrial Fibrillation or regardless of food intake.
abnormal rhythm of the
heart Stop the medication
 Heart failure gastrointestinal lesions
occur.
 Stomach pain or
Stomach ulcers that
may become serious
and may bleed, and
may occur at any time
during use and without
warning