Rofecoxib: A specific cyclooxygenase inhibitor

Rofecoxib is a new specific cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor. The efficacy of rof ecoxib has been established in the treatment of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and acute pain. Rofecoxib has been approved in the United States for the treatment of osteoarthritis and acute pain. Endoscopically proven g astrointestinal ulceration is much less with rofecoxib than standard nonste roidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and the ulceration rate with rofecox ib is similar to that seen with placebo. Rofecoxib appears to provide clini cal benefit equivalent to standard NSAIDs with less toxicity. (C) 2000 Prou s Science. Atl rights reserved.