title: Use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors: indications and complications.
abstract: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are among the most widely used medications-both prescription and over the counter-in the United States. Gastrointestinal side effects from NSAIDs are responsible for significant patient morbidity and mortality as well as healthcare cost. With the development of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) specific inhibitors, these serious adverse reactions have been significantly reduced without affecting therapeutic benefit; however, the need for careful monitoring of patients on therapy with traditional NSAIDs and COX-2 inhibitors continues. In this article, recent developments regarding COX-2 inhibitors and potential future uses of this class of drugs are also discussed.
mesh_terms: D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D051546:Cyclooxygenase 2; D052246:Cyclooxygenase 2 Inhibitors; D016861:Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004064:Digestive System / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D007527:Isoenzymes / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*; D008565:Membrane Proteins; D011451:Prostaglandin-Endoperoxide Synthases
chemical_list: D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D052246:Cyclooxygenase 2 Inhibitors; D016861:Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors; D007527:Isoenzymes; D008565:Membrane Proteins; D051546:Cyclooxygenase 2; C496540:PTGS2 protein, human; D011451:Prostaglandin-Endoperoxide Synthases