The Use of COX-2 Selective Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs for the Treatment of Osteoarthritis

Song, Young Joon; Ha, Chul Won

Abstract

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), are characterized by their anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic activities; they have been widely used for the management of acute pain and chronic inflammation. The mechanism of action of NSAIDs is inhibition of prostaglandin biosynthesis. Inflammatory prostaglandins are primarily derived from COX-2, while the prostaglandins formed by COX-1 have in general a more homeostatic role. Based on their selectivity for COX-1 or COX-2, NSAIDs are classified into non-selective NSAIDs and COX-2 selective NSAIDs. Non-selective NSAIDs and COX-2 selective NSAIDs have similar effects on pain relief and inflammation. One major problem associated with the use of non-selective NSAIDs is their adverse effects on the gastrointestinal tract, caused by inhibition of COX-1. Compared with non-selective NSAIDS, the main advantage of COX-2 selective NSAIDs is reduced gastrointestinal complications. Reviews have suggested that COX-2 selective NSAIDs increase the risk of cardiovascular events; however, cardiovascular risk may vary among the selective NSAIDs. Because of their anti-inflammatory properties, the use of NSAIDs is essential for the relief of pain and the symptoms associated with inflammatory conditions such as active osteoarthritis. When NSAIDs are prescribed, age, additional medication such as aspirin, gastrointestinal and cardiovascular status, and co-morbidity must be taken into account. COX-2 selective NSAIDs have minimal effects on platelet function and thus, can also be used for pre and postoperative pain control in patients with osteoarthritis waiting for the surgery.