Rofecoxib

Rofecoxib selectively inhibits cyclo-oxygenase-2 in a dose-dependent manner in humans, No significant inhibition of cyclo-oxygenase-1 is observed with rofecoxib up to doses of 1000 mg, In 4 large double-blind randomised trials performed in patients with osteoa rthritis, rofecoxib 12.5 and 25 mg/day significantly improved physical func tioning, assessed using the Western Ontario and McMasters Universities Oste oarthritis Index and patient or investigator global assessment, compared wi th placebo, In addition, rofecoxib showed similar clinical efficacy to that observed with diclofenac 50 mg 3 times daily, ibuprofen 800 mg 3 times dai ly and nabumetone 1500 mg once daily, Rofecoxib is also an effective analgesic in patients with primary dysmenorr hoea or postoperative dental pain and demonstrates similar analgesic effica cy to that of naproxen sodium and ibuprofen, Rofecoxib is generally well tolerated, The most common adverse events assoc iated with rofecoxib are diarrhoea, headache, nausea and upper respiratory tract infection, There was a significantly lower incidence of uppergastrointestinal adverse events (perforations, ulcers and bleeds) in patients with osteoarthritis re ceiving rofecoxib 12.5, 25 or 50 mg/day than in those receiving ibuprofen, diclofenac or nabumetone.