What is the mechanism of action of Celecoxib?

• A. Inhibits COX-1
• B. Inhibits cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2)
• C. Acts as an opioid agonist
• D. Antagonizes serotonin receptors

Answer: (B)

Celecoxib operates primarily by selectively inhibiting cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), which is an enzyme involved in the inflammatory process. COX-2 is induced during inflammation and plays a significant role in producing prostaglandins that mediate pain, inflammation, and fever. By blocking this enzyme, Celecoxib decreases the synthesis of these pro-inflammatory prostaglandins, leading to reduced inflammation and pain relief without significantly affecting COX-1, which is involved in protective gastric functions and platelets aggregation.

This selective mechanism gives Celecoxib its therapeutic benefits while reducing some of the gastrointestinal side effects commonly associated with non-selective nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which inhibit both COX-1 and COX-2. Thus, the emphasis on COX-2 inhibition makes Celecoxib a valuable option for managing conditions characterized by inflammation, such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.