[Etoricoxib (Arcoxia)].

Etoricoxib (Arcoxia) is a novel non steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that selectively inhibits the inducible form of cyclo-oxygenase (COX), COX-2. Etoricoxib has a higher COX-1/COX-2 selectivity ratio than the other COX-2-selective NSAIDs as rofecoxib, valdecoxib or celecoxib. Tablets of 60, 90 and 120 mg are available. The recommended dosage of etoricoxib is 60 mg/day for osteoarthritis, 90 mg/day for rheumatoid arthritis and 120 mg/day for acute gouty arthritis. Etoricoxib's efficacy has been widely studied in comparative studies, showing the same efficacy as non-COX-2 selective NSAID, with fewer gastro-intestinal adverse effects.