BEECOX PLUS

Indications

• Pain and inflammation in osteoarthritis
• Pain and inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis
• Pain and inflammation in ankylosing spondylitis

Dosage

Adults: Adult: 100 mg twice daily, increased if necessary to 200 mg twice daily.

Mechanism of action

Celecoxib acts as a selective noncompetitive inhibitor of the COX-2 enzyme, which is primarily induced during inflammation. By inhibiting COX-2, celecoxib decreases the synthesis of various inflammatory mediators, including prostaglandins, which contribute to pain and inflammation. Additionally, celecoxib has anticancer properties by binding to cadherin-11 and inhibiting PDK-1 signaling, as well as by inhibiting carbonic anhydrase enzymes.

Pharmacodynamics

Celecoxib's primary pharmacological effect is the inhibition of pain and inflammation through COX-2 inhibition. Although it has a lower risk of gastrointestinal bleeding compared to non-selective NSAIDs, caution is warranted due to potential thrombotic risks associated with COX-2 inhibition. Studies have shown that celecoxib's cardiovascular safety profile is comparable to that of moderate doses of other NSAIDs like naproxen and ibuprofen, although monitoring is advised, especially in patients with cardiovascular risk factors.

Pharmacokinetics

Celecoxib is well-absorbed after oral administration, with peak plasma concentrations typically reached within 3 hours. It is extensively metabolized in the liver, primarily via cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYP2C9 and CYP3A4). The elimination half-life of celecoxib is approximately 11 hours. Renal excretion accounts for about 57% of the metabolites, while the rest is excreted via the faeces. Dose adjustments may be necessary in patients with hepatic impairment or those taking interacting medications.

Contra-indications

• history of hypersensitivity to aspirin or any other NSAID
• active gastrointestinal bleeding
• active gastrointestinal ulceration
• cerebrovascular disease
• inflammatory bowel disease
• ischaemic heart disease
• mild to severe heart failure
• peripheral arterial disease

Adverse effects

• fluid retention
• gastrointestinal discomfort
• hypertension
• myocardial infarction
• nausea
• skin reactions
• edema
• dyspepsia
• arrhythmias
• depression
• drowsiness

Interactions

• increased exposure with antiarrhythmics
• increased exposure with flecainide
• increased exposure with propafenone
• increased exposure with nitisinone

Precautions

• Monitor blood pressure before and during treatment
• Caution in patients with renal impairment
• Caution in patients with hepatic impairment
• Risk of thrombotic events
• Risk of gastrointestinal bleeding

Pregnancy

Avoid (teratogenic in animal studies)

Breast-feeding

Avoid-present in milk in animal studies

Storage

Store at room temperature, protect from light and moisture

Formulations

• Celecoxib 100 mg capsules
• Celecoxib 200 mg capsules

Indications

• Mild to moderate pain
• Fever
• Headaches
• Muscle aches
• Arthritis
• Backaches
• Toothaches
• Colds

Dosage

Adults: For adults, the typical dosage is 500 mg to 1 g every 4 to 6 hours, with a maximum daily limit of 4 g. In cases of intravenous administration, the dosage is 15 mg/kg every

Mechanism of action

Paracetamol is thought to exert its analgesic effects by inhibiting cyclo-oxygenase (COX) enzymes, specifically COX-1 and COX-2, which are involved in the synthesis of prostaglandins responsible for pain sensation. Unlike most NSAIDs, paracetamol does not exhibit peripheral anti-inflammatory effects. Its antipyretic action is believed to result from direct action on heat-regulating centers in the brain, leading to peripheral vasodilation and sweating.

Pharmacodynamics

Paracetamol has been shown to have both antipyretic and analgesic effects, lacking any significant anti-inflammatory activity. It does not interfere with platelet aggregation or disrupt hemostasis, making it a safer option for individuals at risk of bleeding. Allergic reactions to paracetamol are rare. The drug does not affect uric acid secretion or acid-base balance when used at recommended doses.

Pharmacokinetics

Paracetamol is rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, with peak plasma concentrations typically occurring within 30 to 60 minutes after oral administration. It is primarily metabolized in the liver via conjugation with glucuronide and sulfate, with a minor pathway involving cytochrome P450 enzymes. The elimination half-life ranges from 1 to 4 hours, with renal excretion of metabolites as the primary route of elimination.

Adverse effects

• Nausea and vomiting
• Liver injury
• Renal damage
• Hypersensitivity reactions
• Flushing
• Hypotension
• Anorectal erythema
• Angioedema
• Agranulocytosis
• Thrombocytopenia
• Leukopenia
• Severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCARs)

Interactions

• Increased risk of methaemoglobinaemia with topical prilocaine
• Increased risk of methaemoglobinaemia with topical anaesthetics
• Increased anticoagulant effect with coumarins
• Increased risk of hepatotoxicity with imatinib
• Decreased exposure with rifampicin
• Decreased exposure with pitolisant

Precautions

• Monitor patients with liver disease or heavy alcohol use for increased risk of hepatotoxicity
• Adjust doses in patients taking enzyme-inducing antiepileptic medications
• Use caution in patients with renal impairment
• Clinical judgement is required for dose adjustment in weight-based dosing

Pregnancy

Paracetamol is generally considered safe to use during pregnancy for pain and fever relief, but should be used at the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration necessary.

Breast-feeding

Paracetamol is excreted in breast milk in small amounts and is considered safe for use while breastfeeding.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep out of reach of children.

Formulations

• Oral tablets (500 mg)
• Oral suspension (120 mg/5 mL, 500 mg/5 mL)
• Rectal suppositories (various strengths)
• Intravenous infusion (various strengths)

Mechanism of action

Unlike most NSAIDs, which inhibit both types of cyclooxygenases (COX-1 and COX-2), celecoxib is a selective noncompetitive inhibitor of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzyme. COX-2 is expressed heavily in inflamed tissues where it is induced by inflammatory mediators. The inhibition of this enzyme reduces the synthesis of metabolites that include prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), prostacyclin (PGI2), thromboxane (TXA2), prostaglandin D2 (PGD2), and prostaglandin F2 (PGF2). Resultant inhibition of these mediators leads to the alleviation of pain and inflammation. By inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) cause mucosal damage, ulceration and ulcer complication throughout the gastrointestinal tract. Celecoxib poses less of an ulceration risk than other NSAIDS, owing to its decreased effect on gastric mucosal prostaglandin synthesis when compared to placebo. Celecoxib exerts anticancer effects by binding to the cadherin-11 (CDH11)protein, which is thought to be involved in the progression of tumors, and inhibiting the 3-phosphoinositide-dependent kinase-1 (PDK-1) signaling mechanism. In addition, celecoxib has been found to inhibit carbonic anhydrase enzymes 2 and 3, further enhancing its anticancer effects. As mentioned in the pharmacodynamics section of this drug entry, celecoxib may cause an increased risk of thrombotic events. The risk of thrombosis resulting from COX-2 inhibition is caused by the vasoconstricting actions of thromboxane A2, leading to enhanced platelet aggregation, which is uncontrolled when the actions of prostacyclin, a platelet aggregation inhibitor, are suppressed through the inhibition of COX-2. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are well-known causes of acute renal insufficiency and gastropathy in patients with chronic inflammatory diseases. This action is presumed to result from nonselective inhibition of both constitutive and inducible forms of prostaglandin H synthases, also known as the cyclooxygenase enzymes (i.e., COX-1 amd COX-2). Celecoxib (Celebrex) is a COX-2 enzyme inhibitor and has emerged as a preferred therapeutic agent for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis as compared to other NSAIDs. Celecoxib has recently been the subject of criticism for its side effects, mainly arterial thrombosis and renal hemorrhage, although it is considered a superior drug in protecting the gastrointestinal tract. In the present study, we report that celecoxib not only inhibited COX-2, but also exhibited the property of inhibiting adenylyl cyclase, an important enzyme forming the intracellular second messenger 3',5'-adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) from adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Celecoxib also inhibited cholera toxin-stimulated cAMP formation, which indicated its ability to permeate cell membranes in order to reach intracellular adenylyl cyclase. It inhibited in vitro adenylyl cyclase activity in both human colonic epithelial cells and purified adenylyl cyclase from Bordetella pertussis. The IC50 of celecoxib for B. pertussis adenylyl cyclase was calculated to be 0.375 mM. Lineweaver-Burk analysis showed that the type of enzyme inhibition was competitive. The apparent Km and Vm of adenylyl cyclase was calculated as 25.0 nM and 7.14 nmol/min/mg, respectively. Celecoxib changed the Km value to 66.6 nM without affecting the Vmax. The current study suggests that apart from inflammation, celecoxib therapy could be further extended to diseases involving cAMP upregulation either by endogenous reactions or exogenous agents. These new data showing inhibition of adenylyl cyclase should be considered in light of the drug's pathological effects or in patients specifically excluded from treatment (e.g., asthmatics). Cardiovascular disease is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, and evidence indicates a correlation between the inflammatory process and cardiac dysfunction. Selective inhibitors of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzyme are not recommended for long-term use beca

Pharmacodynamics

Celecoxib inhibits cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) enzyme, reducing pain and inflammation. It is important to note that though the risk of bleeding with celecoxib is lower than with certain other NSAIDS, it exists nonetheless and caution must be observed when it is administered to those with a high risk of gastrointestinal bleeding. **A note on the risk of cardiovascular events** Significant concerns regarding the safety of COX-2 selective NSAIDs emerged in the early 2000s. [Rofecoxib], another member of the COX-2 inhibitor drug class, also known as Vioxx, was withdrawn from the market due to prothrombotic cardiovascular risks. Following an FDA Advisory Committee meeting in 2005, in which data from large clinical outcome trials were evaluated, the FDA concluded that the risk for cardiovascular thrombotic events for both COX-2 selective NSAIDs and nonselective NSAIDs was evident. It was determined that the benefits of celecoxib treatment, however, outweighed the risks. Postmarketing cardiovascular outcomes trial (PRECISION) revealed that the lowest possible dose of celecoxib was similar in cardiovascular safety to moderate strength doses of both naproxen and ibuprofen. Patients who had previous cardiovascular events including acute MI, coronary revascularization, or coronary stent insertion were not evaluated in the trial. It is not advisable to administer NSAIDS to these groups of patients.

Mechanism of action

According to its FDA labeling, acetaminophen's exact mechanism of action has not been fully established - despite this, it is often categorized alongside NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) due to its ability to inhibit the cyclo-oxygenase (COX) pathways. It is thought to exert central actions which ultimately lead to the alleviation of pain symptoms. One theory is that acetaminophen increases the pain threshold by inhibiting two isoforms of cyclo-oxygenase, COX-1 and COX-2, which are involved in prostaglandin (PG) synthesis. Prostaglandins are responsible for eliciting pain sensations. Acetaminophen does not inhibit cyclooxygenase in peripheral tissues and, therefore, has no peripheral anti-inflammatory effects. Though acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) is an irreversible inhibitor of COX and directly blocks the active site of this enzyme, studies have shown that acetaminophen (paracetamol) blocks COX indirectly. Studies also suggest that acetaminophen selectively blocks a variant type of the COX enzyme that is unique from the known variants COX-1 and COX-2. This enzyme has been referred to as _COX-3_. The antipyretic actions of acetaminophen are likely attributed to direct action on heat-regulating centers in the brain, resulting in peripheral vasodilation, sweating, and loss of body heat. The exact mechanism of action of this drug is not fully understood at this time, but future research may contribute to deeper knowledge. Although further investigation is warranted, the active metabolite of acetaminophen (AM404) was shown to interact with several molecular targets, including the Ca_v3.2 calcium channel, the cannabinoid CB1 receptors, TRPV1 receptors, and Na_v1.8 and Na_v1.7 channels. Acetaminophen produces analgesia and antipyresis by a mechanism similar to that of salicylates. Unlike salicylates, however, acetaminophen does not have uricosuric activity. There is some evidence that acetaminophen has weak anti-inflammatory activity in some nonrheumatoid conditions (e.g., in patients who have had oral surgery). ... Acetaminophen lowers body temperature in patients with fever but rarely lowers normal body temperature. The drug acts on the hypothalamus to produce antipyresis; heat dissipation is increased as a result of vasodilation and increased peripheral blood flow. The effects of acetaminophen on cyclooxygenase activity have not been fully determined. Acetaminophen is a weak, reversible, isoform-nonspecific cyclooxygenase inhibitor at dosages of 1 g daily. The inhibitory effect of acetaminophen on cyclooxygenase-1 is limited, and the drug does not inhibit platelet function. Therapeutic doses of acetaminophen appear to have little effect on cardiovascular and respiratory systems; however, toxic doses may cause circulatory failure and rapid, shallow breathing. Acetaminophen (N-acetyl-p-aminophenol (APAP)) is the most common antipyretic/analgesic medicine worldwide. If APAP is overdosed, its metabolite, N-acetyl-p-benzo-quinoneimine (NAPQI), causes liver damage. However, epidemiological evidence has associated previous use of therapeutic APAP doses with the risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. The transient receptor potential ankyrin-1 (TRPA1) channel is expressed by peptidergic primary sensory neurons. Because NAPQI, like other TRPA1 activators, is an electrophilic molecule, /the researchers/ hypothesized that APAP, via NAPQI, stimulates TRPA1, thus causing airway neurogenic inflammation. NAPQI selectively excites human recombinant and native (neuroblastoma cells) TRPA1. TRPA1 activation by NAPQI releases proinflammatory neuropeptides (substance P and calcitonin gene-related peptide) from sensory nerve terminals in rodent airways, thereby causing neurogenic edema and neutrophilia. Single or repeated administration of therapeutic (15-60 mg/kg) APAP doses to mice produces detectable levels of NAPQI in the lung, and increases neutrophil numbers, myeloperoxidase

Pharmacodynamics

Animal and clinical studies have determined that acetaminophen has both antipyretic and analgesic effects. This drug has been shown to lack anti-inflammatory effects. As opposed to the _salicylate_ drug class, acetaminophen does not disrupt tubular secretion of uric acid and does not affect acid-base balance if taken at the recommended doses. Acetaminophen does not disrupt hemostasis and does not have inhibitory activities against platelet aggregation. Allergic reactions are rare occurrences following acetaminophen use.