Which COX-2 selective drug is NOT included in the mentioned list?

Which COX-2 selective drug is NOT included in the mentioned list?

• A. Meloxicam
• B. Etodolac
• C. Nabumetone
• D. Celecoxib

Answer: (D)

The correct answer is Celecoxib, as it is the quintessential example of a COX-2 selective inhibitor, specifically designed to inhibit cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) while sparing cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1). This selectivity aims to reduce gastrointestinal side effects associated with non-selective nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that inhibit both COX-1 and COX-2. In contrast, Meloxicam and Etodolac are considered to have some level of COX-2 selectivity but are primarily classified as non-selective NSAIDs due to their effects on both COX enzymes, though they may show a preference for COX-2 at certain doses. Nabumetone is also a non-selective NSAID but has a lower impact on the gastrointestinal tract compared to traditional NSAIDs. Understanding the key differences in COX-1 and COX-2 enzyme inhibition helps clarify why Celecoxib stands out in this context as the only drug in the list that is purposely designed to be COX-2 selective.

The correct answer is Celecoxib, as it is the quintessential example of a COX-2 selective inhibitor, specifically designed to inhibit cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) while sparing cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1). This selectivity aims to reduce gastrointestinal side effects associated with non-selective nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that inhibit both COX-1 and COX-2.

In contrast, Meloxicam and Etodolac are considered to have some level of COX-2 selectivity but are primarily classified as non-selective NSAIDs due to their effects on both COX enzymes, though they may show a preference for COX-2 at certain doses. Nabumetone is also a non-selective NSAID but has a lower impact on the gastrointestinal tract compared to traditional NSAIDs.

Understanding the key differences in COX-1 and COX-2 enzyme inhibition helps clarify why Celecoxib stands out in this context as the only drug in the list that is purposely designed to be COX-2 selective.