title: Role of cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors in postoperative pain management.
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.
authors.affiliation: Baylor Center for Pain Management, Baylor University Medical Center, 5575 Warren Parkway # 220, Frisco, TX 75034, USA. noorgajraj@aol.com
authors.forename: Noor M
authors.initials: NM
authors.lastname: Gajraj
authors.forename: Girish P
authors.initials: GP
authors.lastname: Joshi
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000075202:Contraindications; D051546:Cyclooxygenase 2; D052246:Cyclooxygenase 2 Inhibitors; D016861:Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004347:Drug Interactions; D006801:Humans; D008565:Membrane Proteins; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011451:Prostaglandin-Endoperoxide Synthases / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D052246:Cyclooxygenase 2 Inhibitors; D016861:Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors; D008565:Membrane Proteins; D051546:Cyclooxygenase 2; C496540:PTGS2 protein, human; D011451:Prostaglandin-Endoperoxide Synthases