How Etoricoxib works

Etoricoxib is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) called COX-2 inhibitors. It works by blocking the release of certain chemical messengers that are responsible pain and inflammation (redness and swelling).

Side Effects

Abdominal pain, Palpitations, Nausea, Vomiting, Headache, Heartburn, Gastritis, Dizziness, Constipation, Edema, Diarrhoea, Dyspepsia, Increased blood pressure, Flatulence

Usage

Etoricoxib is used in osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, gout, arthralgia, muscle pain, pain during menstruation and post operative pain.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Is Etoricoxib a narcotic?

No. Etoricoxib is not a narcotic. It is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug(NSAID).

Q. Is Etoricoxib a painkiller?

Yes. It is a pain killer. It belongs to the class of medications known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).

Q. What is the difference between Etoricoxib and celecoxib?

Both Etoricoxib and celecoxib are the medicines which inhibit an enzyme COX-2 (Cyclooxygenase-2) causes pain and inflammation. However, according to the research studies, Etoricoxib is better than celecoxib in terms of effectiveness.

Q. How to differentiate Etoricoxib and ibuprofen?

Etoricoxib is a Selective Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitor which is an enzyme responsible for pain and inflammation but ibuprofen in a non-selective COX inhibitor which has more gastric side effects like gastric ulceration as compared to Etoricoxib.

Q. Can warfarin be used with Etoricoxib?

No. Etoricoxib should be avoided with warfarin as they both lead to increase in bleeding tendencies. Inform your doctor if you are taking any of the medications. If given together then the therapy should be monitored closely.

Q. Can I use Etoricoxib for hypertension?

No. Etoricoxib is a pain killer. It should be avoided in hypertension as it can lead to failure of the antihypertensive therapy and there is increased risk of fluid retention and oedema.

Q. Can a patient of diabetes use Etoricoxib?

Normally painkillers are to be avoided in a patient with diabetes. Etoricoxib can increase the risk of kidney failure when given in a patient of diabetes with compromised renal function. Inform your doctor if you have diabetes before starting Etoricoxib.

Q. Can I take Etoricoxib along with Thiocolchicoside?

Yes. Thiocolchicoside is a muscle relaxant which is given in combination with Etoricoxib but it is not approved. Consult your doctor before starting this medication.

Q. How to differentiate Etoricoxib and meloxicam?

Meloxicam causes gastric toxicity and can lead to black stools due to bleeding whereas Etoricoxib is comparatively safer for the gastric mucosa. Etoricoxib has cardiovascular (heart attack and stroke) side effects.

Q. Can I take diclofenac along with Etoricoxib?

Both are pain killers. If they are taken together it increases the chances of side effects so better consult your doctor before starting them.

Q. Can I take paracetamol with Etoricoxib?

Yes. They can be taken together but it increases the chances of liver damage. It can only be taken after consultation with your doctor before starting any of these medications or in combination.

Q. Can I take pregabalin with Etoricoxib?

Yes. They can be taken together but you need to consult your doctor before starting any of these medications or in combination.

Q. Can I take tramadol along with Etoricoxib?

Yes. They can be taken together but you need to consult your doctor before starting any of these medications or in combination.

Q. Can acenocoumarol be taken along with Etoricoxib?

No. Etoricoxib should be avoided with acenocoumarol as they both lead to increase in bleeding tendencies. Inform your doctor if you are taking any of the medications. If given together then the therapy should be monitored closely.

Q. How is naproxen different from Etoricoxib?

Naproxen is a non-selective Cyclooxygenase (COX) blocker whereas Etoricoxib is a selective COX-2 blocker. Etoricoxib has lesser gastric side effects. In research studies, Etoricoxib has been found to have better effectiveness but the side effects are more.

Q. How is etodolac different from Etoricoxib?

Etodolac and Etoricoxib both are COX-2 inhibitors, an enzyme associated with the pain and inflammation but the COX-1 selectivity for etodolac is more as compared to Etoricoxib.

Q. What is the contraindication for Etoricoxib?

Contraindications with Etoricoxib are allergy or hypersensitivity, heart disease, high blood pressure, renal failure, gastric ulceration, history of stroke, pregnancy, lactation and severe liver dysfunction.

Q. Can I use Etoricoxib for allergy?

No. Etoricoxib is not to be taken in a case of allergy.

Q. Can I use Etoricoxib for chest pain?

No. Etoricoxib is absolutely contraindicated in chest pain. Immediately consult your doctor if you have a chest pain.

Q. Can I use Etoricoxib for inflammation?

Yes. Etoricoxib can be used for inflammation. It helps to reduce the inflammation and pain associated with inflammation. Etoricoxib is associated with a lot of side effects so it is to give in shortest duration possible and the lowest effective daily dose.

Q. Can tonsillitis be treated with Etoricoxib?

No. Tonsillitis is caused due to infections in the tonsils which is most commonly by the bacteria. Antibiotics are used to treat tonsillitis. Etoricoxib is a pain killer and can be used only to reduce the pain associated with tonsillitis but only with a prescription of a doctor.

Q. Can tendonitis be treated with Etoricoxib?

Yes. Etoricoxib can be used for pain management. It helps to decrease the pain and reduces the inflammation associated with the tendonitis. Etoricoxib is associated with a lot of side effects so it is to give in shortest duration possible and the lowest effective daily dose.

Q. Can I use Etoricoxib for pain?

Yes. Etoricoxib can be used for pain management. It helps to decrease the pain and reduces the inflammation associated with the condition. Etoricoxib is associated with a lot of side effects so it is to give in shortest duration possible and the lowest effective daily dose.

Q. Can I use Etoricoxib in fever?

No. Etoricoxib is a pain killer. It is not a medicine to be taken for fever.

Q. Can I use Etoricoxib in sciatica?

Yes. Etoricoxib can be used to decrease the pain but it does not cure the condition. Sciatica is a disease which is caused due to problems in the nerve and vertebral column. Etoricoxib acts as a pain killer and only decreases the pain. Consult your doctor if you are diagnosed with sciatica for proper treatment.

Q. Can I use Etoricoxib for arthritis and pain management?

Yes. Etoricoxib can be used for arthritis and pain management. It helps to decrease the pain and reduces the inflammation associated with the condition. Etoricoxib is associated with a lot of side effects so it is to give in shortest duration possible and the lowest effective daily dose.

Q. Can I use Etoricoxib for ankylosing spondylitis?

Yes. Etoricoxib can be used for ankylosing spondylitis. It helps to decrease the pain and reduces the inflammation associated with the condition.

Q. Can I take Etoricoxib for a sore throat?

Sore throat is mostly caused by bacteria so antibiotics are given to treat a sore throat whereas Etoricoxib is a pain killer so it can be given in cases of throat pain associated with it but only under the prescription of a doctor.

Q. Can I take Etoricoxib for a migraine?

Etoricoxib is a pain killer but it is not approved for the treatment of pain associated with a migraine.

Q. Can dental pain be treated with Etoricoxib?

Yes. Etoricoxib can be given in the dental pain as shown by the research studies. It is mostly recommended for Postoperative dental surgery pain. Do consult your doctor and inform if any ongoing medicines before starting Etoricoxib.

Q. Can I take Etoricoxib for gout treatment?

Etoricoxib can be given for acute gout as shown by the research studies. It provides relief by decreasing the pain and inflammation associated with gout.

Q. Can I take oral contraceptives with Etoricoxib?

When oral contraceptives and Etoricoxib is given, there are increased levels of oestrogen in the body which can lead to oestrogen related side effects like clots in a deep leg vein. So if at all Etoricoxib is prescribed by a doctor do inform you are taking oral contraceptive.

Q. Can I take methotrexate with Etoricoxib?

Blood levels of methotrexate is increased when it is given with Etoricoxib. Proper monitoring of the blood levels and adequate dose adjustments are required if they are prescribed together.

Q. Can I take lithium with Etoricoxib?

Etoricoxib decrease lithium renal excretion and therefore increase lithium plasma levels. If necessary, monitor blood lithium closely and adjust the lithium dosage while the combination is being taken.

Q. Can I take Etoricoxib with tacrolimus?

No. You should avoid Etoricoxib with tacrolimus. It increases the risk of kidney damage by many folds when these two are given together.

Q. Can I take Etoricoxib for osteoarthritis?

Yes, you can take Etoricoxib for osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is a joint disease and Etoricoxib may help in reducing the pain associated with the disease.

Q. Can I take Etoricoxib in heart disease?

No, you should not take Etoricoxib if you have heart disease or increased risk of heart disease. Etoricoxib increases the risk of heart attack, stroke and hypertension. Inform your doctor if you have heart disease before you start taking Etoricoxib.