COX 2-selective NSAIDs: biology, promises, and concerns.

Celecoxib (Celebrex) is the first of a new family of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that selectively inhibit cyclooxygenase 2 (COX 2) while sparing COX 1. Clinical trials indicate that it is approximately as effective in relieving the pain of osteoarthritis and the pain and inflammation of rheumatoid arthritis as nonselective NSAIDs, but causes less gastrointestinal ulceration and bleeding. This paper reviews the pharmacology and possible clinical role of celecoxib and other COX 2-selective NSAIDs.