Abstract
Cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 inhibitors are as efficacious as nonselective nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for the treatment of postoperative pain but have the advantages of a better gastrointestinal side-effect profile as well as a lack of antiplatelet effects. There have been recent concerns regarding the cardiovascular side effects of COX-2 inhibitors. Nonetheless, they remain a valuable option for postoperative pain management. The pharmacology of these agents and available studies are reviewed.
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Contraindications
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Cyclooxygenase 2
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Cyclooxygenase 2 Inhibitors
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Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors / adverse effects
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Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors / therapeutic use*
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Drug Interactions
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Humans
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Membrane Proteins
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Pain, Postoperative / drug therapy*
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Prostaglandin-Endoperoxide Synthases / biosynthesis
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Prostaglandin-Endoperoxide Synthases / metabolism*
Substances
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Cyclooxygenase 2 Inhibitors
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Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors
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Membrane Proteins
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Cyclooxygenase 2
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PTGS2 protein, human
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Prostaglandin-Endoperoxide Synthases