Rofecoxib
About Rofecoxib
Rofecoxib is an anti-inflammatory non-steroidal drug used to address various types of pain, particularly from menstrual cramps as well as osteoarthritis. Certain chemicals such as prostaglandins are the main cause behind the inflammation and its resulting symptoms of fever, pain, tenderness and swelling. This medicine blocks those enzymes that secrete prostaglandins, thus reducing inflammation. Rofecoxib differs from NSAIDs in the way that they result in lesser ulceration and irritation of the intestine and the stomach and also doesn’t hamper the process of blood clotting.
Few common side effects associated with Rofecoxib include headache, pain in the abdomen, dyspepsia, heartburn, diarrhea, nausea and retention of water by the body. Other less likely side effects include urinary retention, hypertension that aggravates, heart failure, pain in the chest, tinnitus, insomnia, intestinal and stomach ulcers, blurred vision, increase in weight, bleeding, fatigue, drowsiness and symptoms similar to flu. Allergies are also common with prolonged use of Rofecoxib. Individuals who are susceptible to allergic reactions due to the intake of other NSAIDs should not take Rofecoxib.
Rofecoxib should be administered in low dosages. For managing osteoarthritis, usual dose of this medicine is about 12.5 mg, once daily with 25 mg being the maximum. The dosage is 50 mg (once daily) when it comes to managing acute pain that is a result of menstrual cramps.
Prolonged intake of Rofecoxib along with aspirin or other non-steroidal anti- inflammatory drugs may induce side effects such as bleeding and ulceration of the intestinal lining. Since NSAIDs lead to an increase of lithium levels in the body, the body’s lithium concentration should be monitored prior to, during and post therapy.
Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Rheumatologist before using this medicine.
What are the uses of Rofecoxib
Rofecoxib is used to treat pain and swelling associated with Osteoarthritis.
Rofecoxib is used for relieving swelling, stiffness, and pain of joints caused due to Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Rofecoxib is also used for the symptomatic treatment of Ankylosing spondylitis. This disease causes swelling of the spine and large joints.
Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Rheumatologist before using this medicine.
What are the contraindications of Rofecoxib ?
This medicine is not recommended for use if you are allergic to it or any other component of the medicine.
Peptic Ulcer
This medicine is not recommended if you have peptic ulcer or other conditions that cause swelling and bleeding of the stomach. It could cause severe swelling and bleeding in the stomach, colon, and anus as well.
Heart Diseases
This medicine is not recommended for use in patients having a history of heart conditions. The risk of fatal adverse effects are even higher if you have an active condition like heart block, rhythm disorder etc.
Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Rheumatologist before using this medicine.
What are the side effects of Rofecoxib ?
Headache
Nausea Or Vomiting
Swelling Of Face, Lips, Eyelids, Tongue, Hands And Feet
Severe Stomach Ache
Blurred Vision
Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Rheumatologist before using this medicine.
Key highlights of Rofecoxib
How long is the duration of effect?
The effect of this medicine lasts for an average duration of 16-20 hours.
What is the onset of action?
The effect of this medicine can be observed within 1-3 hours of administration.
Are there any pregnancy warnings?
This medicine is not recommended for use if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy in near future. Your doctor may prescribe a safer alternative if the use of a painkiller is absolutely necessary.
Is it habit forming?
No habit forming tendencies were reported.
Are there any breast-feeding warnings?
This medicine is not recommended for use if you are breastfeeding. Your doctor may prescribe a safer alternative if the use of a painkiller is absolutely necessary.
Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Rheumatologist before using this medicine.
What are the dosage instructions?
Missed Dose instructions
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. The missed dose should be skipped if it is almost time for the next scheduled dose.
Are there any overdose instructions?
Contact your doctor immediately if an overdose is suspected. Symptoms of overdose may include skin rashes, confusion, chest pain, blurred vision etc.
Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Rheumatologist before using this medicine.
Where is the Rofecoxib approved?
Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Rheumatologist before using this medicine.
Medicines containing Rofecoxib
Below is the list of medicines, which contains Rofecoxib as ingredient
- Zyrof 3 K Injection
Zydus Cadila
- Mcrofy 25 MG Suspension
Dr. Reddys Laboratories Ltd
- Rofica 1% Gel
Micro Labs Ltd
- Vegadol 12.5 MG Tablet
Veritaz Healthcare Ltd
- Rofejet 25 MG Injection
Themis Medicare Ltd
- Mobirof 12.5 MG Tablet DT
Shreya Life Sciences Pvt. Ltd
- Ozex 1% Gel
Blue Cross Laboratories Ltd
- Zyrof 4 K Injection
Zydus Cadila
- Rofcom 25 MG Tablet
Comed Chemicals Pvt Ltd
- Mcrofy 1% Gel
Dr. Reddys Laboratories Ltd
Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Rheumatologist before using this medicine.
How does this medication work?
Rofecoxib is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug which is used to treat osteoarthritis and dysmenorrhea. COX-2 regulates the synthesis of the prostaglandins which are responsible for inflammation and pain. Rofecoxib selectively inhibits COX-2 and relieves pain.
Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Rheumatologist before using this medicine.
What are the interactions of Rofecoxib ?
Whenever you take more than one medicine, or mix it with certain foods or beverages, you"re at risk of a drug interaction.
- test
Interaction with Alcohol
Ethanol
Restrict or minimize the use of alcohol while taking this medicine. Report any instances of heartburn or stomach discomfort like severe cramps and pain to the doctor on priority.Interaction with Lab Test
Lab
Information not available.Interaction with Medicine
Lithium
Report the use of Lithium to the doctor before receiving Rofecoxib. You may require a safety test to determine the levels of lithium in the body before taking Etoricoxib for appropriate dose adjustments.Ramipril
Report the use of Ramipril or any other medication used for the treatment of hypertension to the doctor. You may require an adjusted dose of Rofecoxib while using it together with the blood pressure medications. It is also advised to monitor the blood pressure levels on a regular basis.Warfarin
Report the use of Warfarin to the doctor before receiving this medicine. You may require a dose adjustment based on the blood clotting time. Any symptoms like unusual bleeding, vomiting, the presence of blood in urine and stools should be reported to the doctor immediately.Ethinyl Estradiol
Report the use of Ethinyl estradiol or any other oral contraceptive to the doctor. Your doctor may prescribe an adjusted dose of Ethinyl estradiol for coadministration with Etoricoxib.Rifampicin
Report the use of either of the medicine to the doctor. You may require an adjusted dose of Rofecoxib and more frequent clinical monitoring of symptoms.Interaction with Disease
Heart Diseases
This medicine should be used with extreme caution if you are suffering from any heart-related conditions. Report the incidence of stroke, heart attack or heart failure to the doctor before receiving this medication. Your doctor may prescribe a more suitable medicine based on the severity of the condition.This medicine should be used with extreme caution in patients having an active liver disease especially if the liver function is severely impaired. Suitable dose adjustment and safety monitoring may be required in such cases.Gastro-Intestinal Disease
This medicine should be used with caution if you have any disease of the stomach or intestine. The risk of worsening of symptoms is very high while using this medicine. Report any such instance, whether historic or active, to the doctor.Interaction with Food
Food
Information not available.
References
Rofecoxib-Drug Information Portal [Internet].druginfo.nlm.nih.gov 2022 [Cited 31 May 2022].Available from:
https://druginfo.nlm.nih.gov/drugportal/name/rofecoxib
Rofecoxib-DrugBank Online [Internet].go.drugbank.com 2022 [Cited 31 May 2022].Available from:
https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB00533
Lybrate is a medium to provide our audience with the common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. Even if there is no mention of a warning for any drug or combination, it never means that we are claiming that the drug or combination is safe for consumption without any proper consultation with an expert.
Lybrate does not take responsibility for any aspect of medicines or treatments. If you have any doubts about your medication, we strongly recommend you to see a doctor immediately.
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