Medicine Information

Etoricoxib

Name: Etoricoxib
Brand: Etoricoxib
Rating: 4.5 (117 reviews)

Tablet60 mgNon-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), COX-2 Selective InhibitorATC: M01AH05

Generic Name

Etoricoxib 60 mg Tablet

Manufacturer

Multiple manufacturers globally

Country

Global

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Price Details

Current market pricing information

Variant	Unit Price	Strip Price
etoricoxib 60 mg tablet	৳ 6.00	৳ 60.00

Description

Overview of the medicine

Etoricoxib is a selective cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitor belonging to the class of NSAIDs, used for the symptomatic relief of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and for the treatment of acute pain and primary dysmenorrhea.

Uses & Indications

Symptomatic relief of osteoarthritis

Symptomatic relief of rheumatoid arthritis

Symptomatic relief of ankylosing spondylitis

Treatment of acute gouty arthritis

Treatment of acute pain, including post-operative dental pain

Treatment of primary dysmenorrhea

Dosage

Adults

Osteoarthritis: 30 mg or 60 mg once daily. Rheumatoid arthritis/Ankylosing spondylitis: 90 mg once daily. Acute gouty arthritis: 120 mg once daily for maximum 8 days. Acute pain/Primary dysmenorrhea: 60 mg or 90 mg once daily for maximum 8 days. The 60 mg is common for acute pain and osteoarthritis.

Elderly

No dose adjustment generally required, but caution is advised in elderly patients due to increased risk of side effects.

Renal_impairment

Mild to moderate renal impairment: No dose adjustment. Severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance <30 mL/min): Not recommended.

How to Take

Orally, with or without food. Taking with food may slightly delay absorption, but it does not affect the extent of absorption.

Mechanism of Action

Etoricoxib selectively inhibits cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), an enzyme responsible for the synthesis of prostaglandins, which are mediators of pain and inflammation. By inhibiting COX-2, it reduces pain and inflammation while potentially sparing COX-1 mediated protective effects in the gastrointestinal tract.

Pharmacokinetics

Onset

Within 24 minutes for acute pain, peak effect within 1-2 hours.

Excretion

Mainly via urine (70%) and feces (20%) as metabolites, very little unchanged drug is excreted.

Half life

Approximately 22 hours.

Absorption

Rapidly absorbed after oral administration, peak plasma concentrations reached in approximately 1 hour.

Metabolism

Extensively metabolized in the liver, primarily by cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYP3A4) to inactive metabolites.

Side Effects

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to etoricoxib or any component of the tablet
Active peptic ulceration or gastrointestinal bleeding
Severe hepatic dysfunction
Severe renal dysfunction (creatinine clearance <30 mL/min)
Inflammatory bowel disease
Congestive heart failure (NYHA II-IV)
Established ischemic heart disease, peripheral arterial disease, and/or cerebrovascular disease
Uncontrolled hypertension
Pregnancy and lactation

Drug Interactions

Lithium

Increased plasma levels of lithium, leading to toxicity.

Rifampicin

Decreased plasma levels of etoricoxib.

Methotrexate

Increased plasma levels of methotrexate, leading to toxicity.

Oral contraceptives

Increased plasma concentrations of ethinyl estradiol.

Cyclosporine, Tacrolimus

Increased nephrotoxicity.

Warfarin and other anticoagulants

Increased risk of bleeding.

ACE inhibitors / Angiotensin II antagonists / Diuretics

Reduced antihypertensive effect, increased risk of renal impairment.

Storage

Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from direct light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.

Overdose

In case of overdose, symptomatic and supportive treatment should be initiated. There is no specific antidote. Dialysis is unlikely to be effective in removing etoricoxib.

Pregnancy & Lactation

Contraindicated during pregnancy and lactation. NSAIDs, including etoricoxib, should be avoided in the third trimester of pregnancy due to the risk of premature closure of the ductus arteriosus and fetal renal dysfunction. A decision must be made whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue the drug.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this medicine

Pack Sizes

10 tablets30 tablets

Shelf Life

Usually 2-3 years from manufacturing date.

Availability

Pharmacies, hospitals, clinics

Approval Status

Approved by major regulatory bodies (e.g., EMA, FDA in some regions, DGDA)

Patent Status

Expired in most regions; generic versions available

Clinical Trials

Extensive clinical trials have demonstrated efficacy and safety for approved indications. Ongoing post-marketing surveillance and studies continue to evaluate long-term cardiovascular safety.

Lab Monitoring

Blood pressure monitoring (especially in hypertensive patients)
Liver function tests (periodically during long-term treatment)
Kidney function tests (creatinine, BUN, periodically)
Complete blood count (periodically, especially with long-term use)

Doctor Notes

Always consider the patient's cardiovascular risk profile before prescribing etoricoxib.
Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration necessary, especially in patients with risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
Monitor blood pressure regularly during treatment.
Avoid use in patients with significant renal or hepatic impairment.

Patient Guidelines

Take the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration necessary.
Report any signs of gastrointestinal bleeding (black, tarry stools) or cardiovascular issues (chest pain, shortness of breath) immediately.
Do not exceed the recommended dose.
Inform your doctor about all other medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs and herbal supplements.

Missed Dose Advice

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Driving Precautions

May cause dizziness, vertigo, or somnolence. Patients should be cautious when driving or operating machinery until they know how etoricoxib affects them.

Lifestyle Advice

Maintain a healthy diet and regular exercise, especially for osteoarthritis.
Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption to reduce cardiovascular and gastrointestinal risks.
Manage underlying conditions like hypertension and diabetes effectively.